Photo By Pfc. Victoria Williams | North Central Kansas Technical College representatives explain the benefits of...... read more read more
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Wichita, KS – The Kansas National Guard Heartland Preparedness Center opened its doors to local high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students, April 11, 2019. Display tables set up by local colleges, service members and law enforcement lined the walls of the armory. Some of the colleges that were represented included; Wichita State University, Emporia State University, Newman University, Butler Community College, and Cowley College.
“I’m really excited to talk to these students about the new ROTC program being offered at Wichita State University,” said Staff Sgt. Khristopher Simpson, a Kansas National Guard recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer. “I may be a little biased because I’m a recruiter and one of the instructors.”
A large group of students gathered at the armory for the Kansas National Guard Exhibition hosted by the 635th Regional Support Group. The exhibition was organized in order to share information with high school students on the education benefits and career opportunities available as a member of the Kansas National Guard.
“We’re just really excited to get the JROTC students out here so they can see what the Guard has to offer,” said Maj. Benjamin Gruver, communications officer, 635th RSG. “It’s really beneficial for the Guard and schools.”
Three interactive displays were set up for the students. One demonstrated ceremonial flag folding. There, students could watch Guardsmen fold a flag then try to fold the flag themselves. Another display included virtual reality goggles and controllers that allowed players to work in a virtual duty station. The most popular attraction was the Engagement Skills Trainer.
The EST is designed to simulate weapon training events. M4 carbines and M16 rifles were hooked up to a computer system which displayed on a large screen. Students were able to practice their marksmanship in a controlled environment.
There are many opportunities that are available through the Kansas National Guard. One that was emphasized during the exhibition was full tuition assistance for local colleges.
“College has always been a goal for me but it’s just so expensive,” said Nevaeh Bell, a sophomore at Wichita East High School. “I was going to settle for the cheapest college and work hard for as many scholarships as I can. But I wouldn’t have to worry about that if I join the Guard.”
Other advantages of joining the Guard include part-time pay with full-time benefits that can be advantageous for students’ not ready to give up their civilian life but are still seeking benefits such as health care, insurance, and a thrift savings plan.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2019 14:45 |
| Story ID: | 328355 |
| Location: | WICHITA, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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