Dixon students get a taste of Army life on installation tour

By Mrs. Kate Mansell (Fort Leonard Wood)May 29, 2014

Dixon students get a taste of Army life on installation tour
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Open mouths and wide eyes were seen on the faces of 66 students from Dixon Elementary School as they entered Grant Hall on May 20. Four fifth grade classes spent a full day learning about new Soldier training and touring post facilities.

"It's really cool to see what they do, but scary too," said 11-year-old Caitlyn Baker. "I bet they're scared to leave their parents," Baker said of the new recruits she saw waiting for medical check ups.

Approximately one quarter of the visiting students were related to post personnel, but for many, this trip was their first opportunity to experience the military.

Sandra Cross, mother of 11-year-old Jacob, was surprised by her son's reaction to the field trip's activities.

"He has never shown interest in the military before today, I made sure to tell Jacob he would be away from me for a long time if he joined the Army," Cross said with a laugh.

The group's morning tour continued as students observed mine detection training and explored the interior of three different military vehicles at the Motor Transport Operators Course.

"We have a valuable resource at our back door," said Crystal Russell, principal of Dixon Elementary. "Visiting Fort Leonard Wood helps us to better liaison with the community and allows our children to be open to different career opportunities."

"This visit allows the students to focus on a career earlier and to have the opportunity to see a full spectrum of what is available, she added.

The group stopped for lunch at the garrison dining facility before wrapping up their day at the Basic Military Police Training Division and hospital.

"Most of our students don't know what careers are out there and hopefully this trip will spark their interest, one that will last a lifetime," said Brandi Vanzant, the fifth grade teacher responsible for coordinating the group's field trip.

"It's a pleasing feeling as a teacher seeing career opportunities and education go hand in hand," she said.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood on Flickr

Fort Leonard Wood Guidon Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood