HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- For one Expeditionary Contracting Command Soldier, participation in a program that honored, recognized and thanked those who have faithfully served in the military created an opportunity to teach local students the importance of service to the nation.
Lt. Col. Bobbi J.W. Davis, the ECC chief counsel, accepted an invitation to take part in the Chapman School Veterans Day program. In a program where students from the first- though eighth-grade paid tribute to veterans through song and speeches, Davis served as the guest speaker and delivered remarks on patriotism, military history and the history of Veterans Day.
"I had a wonderful experience at the school," Davis said. "I accepted the invitation to speak because it is an honor to be asked to be the keynote speaker for a Veterans Day program and it was an opportunity to share the experience of serving my country. The program was conducted entirely by the students from beginning to end, including an invitation for all veterans to come to the 'red carpet' to be recognized.
"The best part was talking to the kids and veterans at the reception," she added. "The kids were engaging and the veterans had interesting experiences to share, from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan."
Davis was invited to speak because she could share her path, her career and her perspectives, said one Chapman School official.
"The children enjoyed Lt. Col. Davis' remarks," said Heather Cleckler, the school's lead collaborative teacher. "Several students continued to discuss her remarks about the history and purpose of Veterans Day throughout the end of the day. The students enjoyed having a personal perspective on Veterans Day and learning about how important the day is.
"We can teach students about the Veterans Day in a classroom," she continued, "but it has much more of an impact to hear from a speaker who can give students a whole new perspective as a current military leader. Many young ladies were very excited to hear know our honored speaker was female and reported being very impressed with Lt. Col. Davis and hope she can return to Chapman in the future."
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