Soldiers: good role models to kids

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan | Spc. Luis Salcedo (left) and Spc. Manuel Vitaliano, both combat engineers, Company C, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, watch Betsy Erivez, a first-grader at Centennial Elementary School, kick a ball during the Fall Carnival, Sept. 27, 2012. The soldiers volunteer at the school as part of the Fort Carson’s Adopt-A-School program designed to pair soldiers with schools in efforts to positively affect the community. Soldiers ran games and gave prizes to children during the carnival.  

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, UNITED STATES

09.27.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers with 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, volunteered through the Fort Carson’s Adopt-A-School program at Centennial Elementary School to support the schools Fall Carnival, Sept. 27.

Soldiers operated games, handed out prizes and interacted with children during the school’s annual fundraiser.

“We are really excited to have the support of our Adopt-A-School unit,” said Kim Noyes, assistant principal at CES. “Because of their involvement, we are able to provide more games, as well as ensure that we can serve food at the carnival.”

Soldiers not only provide manual labor, but are also positive influences on the children.

“It means so much to the kids to have soldiers here helping out,” said Stacy Blair, 1st Grade teacher and the title I parent involvement organizer at the school. “The kids love seeing soldiers in their uniforms and having them around as good role models, someone they can trust.”

“It’s always nice to have positive role models here in the school to make sure students understand what we are doing here is important,” said Noyes.

Not only are children being impacted positively, but soldiers are reaping benefits as well.

“It feels really good knowing the kids are having fun and enjoying themselves,” said Spc. Quenten Martin, radio operator maintainer, Company B, 2nd STB, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “It’s cool because you know when we were kids you always wanted someone who you looked up to come help you do stuff, and now I kind of get to be that hero.”

• Date Taken: 09.27.2012
• Date Posted: 10.01.2012 15:37
• Story ID: 95540
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US