Soldiers of 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, show a Stryker Medical Evacuation Vehicle to students at Piñon Valley Elementary School in observance of Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. William Howard)
By Sgt. William Howard
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
COLORADO SPRINGS — Children’s faces were filled with beaming smiles as they swarmed into Stryker vehicles, donned oversized helmets and blasted the horn in a Humvee on a chilly Colorado morning Nov. 11, 2015.
Soldiers of 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in a flagpole ceremony and gave a tour of their Stryker vehicles to students at Piñon Valley Elementary School in observance of Veterans Day.
“Fort Carson is right across the street and we’re out here to support the community and we appreciate all they do to support us,” said Lt. Col. Steven Barry, commander, 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg. “When we do an event like this where we both mutually benefit, I think it’s a win for everybody.”
Students, parents, school faculty, veterans and Soldiers saluted the American flag together during the ceremony and playing of the national anthem.
The students returned to their classrooms and patiently anticipated their turn to engage with the Soldiers and explore the military vehicles.
“I’m really impressed with the way the Soldiers are relating to the kids, supporting them and answering their questions,” said Ann-Keve Blackburn, second-grade teacher, Piñon Valley Elementary School. “Two kids have come up and said to me, ‘They’re really nice.’ So that was a good thing; when the kids can actually feel welcome.”
The Soldiers helped children talk to each other with the radio equipment inside the Strykers and play with the remote weapon system controls while maintaining a safe learning environment.
“Instead of just looking at the vehicles they’ve been able to interact with them,” said Spc. James Nishimoto, Stryker vehicle driver, Troop B, 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg. “They can go back to their parents and tell them about what they learned today.”
This was the second annual Veterans Day event for the squadron and many of the local schools are sponsored by the units of 1st SBCT.
School sponsorships under the Adopt A School program allow Soldiers a unique opportunity to interact and provide support to the community.
“It’s the gift of giving. It makes you feel good on the inside,” said Nishimoto.