Soldiers show, tell Orion students about Army life

Published Feb. 4, 2011
By Sgt. Marcus Butler
4-25th ABCT PAO

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, visited with students at Orion Elementary School on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Jan. 21, to show children the parachutes and equipment Soldiers use in airborne  operations.

"The overall goal of this partnership program is for paratroopers to get back into the community and help foster a relationship with the community," said Army Chaplain (Capt.) Logan McCurdy, of 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4-25th ABCT.

"I believe that paratroopers develop a connection to the community through volunteerism," McCurdy said.

The paratroopers came bearing snowshoes, military vehicles and parachutes allowing the children to get hands-on experience.

"The students enjoy the company of the Army Soldiers," said Ruth Tweto, Orion Elementary School principal. "When the paratroopers came to share our Explore Day, the students were really excited to hear about the equipment and see the large trucks that make it possible.

"Having so many volunteers helped the students to feel how important the information  was," she said.

The event was just as rewarding for the Soldiers, according to McCurdy.

"The paratroopers enjoy the interaction they have with the children. It's a really good opportunity to get out and share their talents with others," McCurdy said.

"It really was a great deal of fun answering the questions the students came up with on Explore  Day."

With activities involving snowshoeing, climbing in and out of vehicles and seeing how Army paratroopers exit aircraft, the students were better able to connect with the paratroopers, according to McCurdy.

"The children truly enjoy having the paratroopers around as mentors," he said. When we are unable to volunteer at the school, the children ask where we  are."

The 2-377th PFAR has been involved in the partnership program since the beginning of the 2010 school year.

"The message that we want to convey is that the students can accomplish anything they put their minds to do," McCurdy said. "We want them to know that even at times they may be afraid they have the power to overcome any  fear."

"These military role models help students feel that school is important," Tweto said. "We appreciate the partnership and know that students are benefiting from the support."