Photo By Spc. Jackson Gray | U.S. Army Capt. Ronald Stafford, assigned to the 24th Theater Public Affairs Support...... read more read more
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EL PASO, Texas - Soldiers assigned to the 24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element stationed here volunteered at Jose High Damian Elementary School to support Thanksgiving-themed events organized by the school in El Paso, Texas, Nov. 15-17, 2023.
On Wednesday, soldiers from the unit raced students during the annual school Turkey Trot, a half-mile run on school grounds. Many soldiers from the unit also sat with students during a luncheon on Friday.
"It unfortunately never fails that in every single grade level, you have a couple of students that don't have anybody to participate in these school events with them," said Chelsea Anchieta, Jose H. Damian Elementary school counselor. "And that's why having the soldiers here with us is extremely important, so the students know that even though their family isn't here, the soldiers are."
The 24th TPASE works with their host school, Jose H. Damian Elementary School, to provide role models and mentorship to students to be more connected with the local community.
"Not only do the soldiers serve as mentors, but they also serve as examples and role models to our students," said Dr. Ana Elisa Aranda, Jose H. Damian Elementary School's principal. "When the soldiers give up some of their time and volunteer for students, it's invaluable."
The soldiers played various games with the school's children, including basketball, soccer, and jump rope. They led the children in warm-up exercises as well.
"This is the second year of having the soldier come to the school regularly, and the students are beginning to recognize the soldier," said Anchieta. "It means so much to have the soldier from Fort Bliss here on campus and spending time with our students."
During the luncheon, some of the student's parents could not attend the event, so they could have lunch with the soldiers where they colored pictures of turkeys with other activities.
"Volunteering to be with the students of Jose Damian allows me actually to see the impact I have on the community," said Pfc. Samrion Hicks, a public affairs specialist with the 24th TPASE. "Seeing the kids light up with joy when a soldier is there with them makes me feel proud to be there."
For the soldiers who volunteered, they'll have these hours logged. The soldiers could qualify to earn a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal if they log enough volunteer hours.
| Date Taken: | 11.15.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2023 11:40 |
| Story ID: | 458378 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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