Sixteen soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment volunteered to spend a day with students from Sgt. Roberto Iduarte Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, February 23, 2024,
The soldiers began by assisting school faculty in welcoming students during morning drop-off.
Throughout the day, they engaged the students in various activities such as games, sports, and physical training exercises, promoting teamwork and healthy living.
“We really love having the soldiers here. The kids get super excited and they especially love to play games and sports with the soldiers during P.E.,” said Yvonne Romero, assistant principal of Sgt. Roberto Iduarte Elementary School. “The presence of the soldiers lets our kids know that they are recognized, safe and cared for. The kids are also seeking adult mentorship and this provides the perfect opportunity for that.”
“Taking care of our community is part of the reason we’re in the service,” said Staff Sgt. John Moss. “I’ve been volunteering at the school for a while. My daughter goes to this school. I’ve seen other units do it. So, it just made sense to get our unit on board as well.”
This initiative underscores the significance of community outreach for U.S. Army units stationed at Fort Bliss. By actively participating in local events and engaging with the community, soldiers foster positive relationships and demonstrate their commitment to service beyond their military duties. Such interactions not only benefit the community but also enhance the soldiers' morale and sense of purpose.
“It’s important for us to volunteer to show that Fort Bliss and the City of El Paso are not two communities but one,” said Captain Edgar Velez, rear detachment commander, 4th Bn. Field Artillery Regt. “Volunteer events like this with Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School help blur that line and allows us to show that we take pride in being a part of this community.”
As the soldiers bid farewell to the students at the end of the day, they left behind a meaningful impact, showcasing the Army's values of compassion and solidarity. Their involvement with Sgt. Roberto Iduarte Elementary School serves as a reminder of the positive influence that simple acts of kindness and outreach can have on both the military and civilian communities alike.
Date Taken: | 02.23.2024 |
Date Posted: | 03.07.2024 23:34 |
Story ID: | 464745 |
Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
Web Views: | 45 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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