‘Spartans’ E Company volunteers at Desert Wind Elementary
Spc. Melanie Kraemer, E Company, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, talks to children of Desert Wind Elementary School during the school’s career day May 11. Photo by Capt. Jason Koontz, 11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs.
Capt. Jason Koontz,
11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs:
Soldiers from E Company, 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, demonstrated equipment and shared their Army experiences with children at the Desert Wind Elementary School’s career day May 11.
The event gave children a chance to meet professionals in their community who work in a number of different occupations. Sgt. Jose Otero and Spc. Melanie Kraemer spoke to the students about what it means to be a Soldier and what their individual jobs are in the Army. They also allowed the children to try on body armor and Kevlar helmets as well as sit inside Army vehicles. This proved to be one of the day’s most popular events as the children lined up to get a chance to try on the gear.
“I feel it is important for children to understand that Soldiers are real people and that we do our job in order to protect them,” said Otero.
Kraemer had slightly different reasons for wanting to volunteer.
“I enjoy teaching the kids about teamwork and sharing with them how much I love my job,” said Kraemer.
This is a new program for E Co. According to the commander, Capt. Derrick Lyles, the goal is to introduce children to the types of training Soldiers go through and to share with them the types of jobs available in the Army. The air defenders are participating to give back to the local El Paso community.
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