Paratroopers mentor students on fitness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Winstead
  • 4-25th ABCT PAO
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  U.S. Army Alaska paratroopers spoke to Begich Middle School students in Anchorage about fitness Jan. 7 - and not just the push-ups and running kind.

While physical strength and endurance are part of fitness, wellbeing also includes mental, emotional and spiritual health, according to the Soldiers.

The Soldiers, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, visited the school as part of the USARAK and Anchorage School District Partnership Program.

The program lets USARAK Soldiers volunteer at local schools, participating in events and mentoring students on subjects like leadership, physical development and confidence building.

"There are many different ways a person can be fit; not just by being big and strong, but by being smart and healthy too," HHC 4-25th Commander Capt. Justin Pritchard told students.

He said the Army values fitness in all areas, not only physical fitness.

Soldiers spoke on the several different aspects of fitness and what it meant to them. As the conversations progressed, the Soldiers asked the students questions and sought their opinions to keep them engaged.

"Keeping the students involved is an important part of the mentor process," said Army Pfc. Jasmine Irving, a supply specialist with HHC, 4-25th and volunteer with the partnership program. "I really love to see how excited they get when we make sure to keep them as involved as we possibly can."

As the students answered questions and participated in the event, the Soldiers rewarded them with 4-25th T-shirts.

"I really like getting involved in events like this," Said Sgt. Jessica Drummond, a paralegal NCO with HHC, 4-25th. "Even with our busy schedule, sometimes I wish we could do more."

Drummond is also a regular participant in the school's "Open Gym Day," which takes place on Fridays after school.

At the end of the event, the student who volunteered to answer an overall review question to summarize the subjects discussed was presented with an ACU backpack with a subdued 4-25 unit patch sewn into the cover.

"We've had a great time being able to come here to speak with all of you, we hope you enjoyed having us," Pritchard said, as the students erupted into applause.

"These programs really make me feel good about all the things we can do for the students," Drummond said as she watched the children file out the doors toward their next class assignments.

"It makes me happy to see how motivated and excited they get when we come and work with them."