JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Nov. 7, 2014) -- The Mission and Installation Contracting Command leadership met with Lamar Elementary School administrators Oct. 31 to promote their relationship with the school under the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Adopt-a-School Program.
As part of the MICC's community outreach program, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Gabbert, MICC commanding general, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Bowens, MICC command sergeant major, and Maj. Eric Shepherd, 412th Contracting Support Brigade operations officer, attended the monthly coffee with the principal to discuss with administrators and parents the command's involvement in the school.
Gabbert told parents that through the program the MICC is committed to supporting Lamar Elementary in order to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth of children. He added that mentorship is a powerful tool than can help build competence, leadership skills, self-awareness and morale. Through this mentorship, the commanding general said teachers and parents can expect students to advance their confidence and capabilities while growing beyond their expectations.
The partnership with the MICC gives educators at Lamar the opportunity to experience the Army in San Antonio firsthand.
"The presence of a volunteer, as a positive influence, can add real value to a student's life," said Brian Sparks, Lamar Elementary School principal. "This partnership will fortify and benefit learning for all students at our school."
Each Fort Sam Houston unit that volunteers for the program is aligned with a nearby school. The MICC is aligned with Lamar Elementary School. Shepherd is the MICC's liaison and works closely with the school's principal to identify upcoming events to support.
Each quarter, Shepherd will provide a list of opportunities to personnel at the headquarters and 412th CSB. There are several activities in which they can participate, ranging from holiday parties and field trips to mentoring and gardening.
In 2010, U.S. Army North initiated the program as way for Soldiers and civilian employees to give back to their communities and contribute government resources and services to schools in order to promote a stable learning environment for children in the local area. In return the Army receives increased public awareness of its mission and fosters good relations within the local community.
Lamar Elementary is a public school for grades kindergarten through fifth grade and is located a few blocks away from Fort Sam Houston.
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