FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Feb. 19, 2015) -- It is commonly known that Soldiers serve their country in times of war. For many Fort Jackson troops that is only one aspect of service, though. Soldiers serve as volunteers throughout the Midlands as part of their units' command outreach programs.
"When we sign up as Service members we don't just sign up to go to war. We sign up to serve our nation, but we also sign up to serve our community," said Capt. Thomas Kim, assistant operations officer with the 193rd Infantry Brigade.
Each year, Fort Jackson's three Army Training Center brigades and partners in excellence units take the time to give back to the local community through partnerships with local organizations and schools.
One example is the 193rd Infantry Brigade hosting the Ridge View High School basketball team Jan. 21.
"We gave them the full Army experience. This morning we started with (physical training), (the students) ate at the (dining facility), and now we are at Victory Tower and later on they get to eat meals-ready-to-eat," Thomas said.
Ridge View High School Head Basketball Coach John Combs said many of the players have a personal connection to Fort Jackson.
"We have a number of students that are impacted by Fort Jackson. Many of them have family members that are stationed here at Fort Jackson or in the Army," Combs said.
Thomas said both the Soldiers and students benefited from the experience.
"(The students are) getting a positive experience out of it, and our cadre members are loving this interaction of mentoring young kids," Thomas said.
Maj. Chunka Smith, executive officer for the 165th Infantry Brigade, said giving back is a natural part of being a Soldier.
"It is important for us to build and maintain a strong bond with the community because we are a part of the community," Smith said. "We are also ambassadors for the United States Army and Fort Jackson."
Smith said most Soldiers seek out community outreach activities on their own and shy away from recognition.
"For example, six NCOs and one officer from 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment, 165th Infantry Brigade spoke to 160 students at the Carolina School of Inquiry in Columbia, South Carolina for their career day," Smith said. "The NCOs spoke about why they enjoyed serving in the Army, what their daily activities consisted of, and answered student's questions. The team led Physical Readiness Training demonstrations with exercises like the half-jack, the rower and the pushup, which was a huge hit for the children."
Smith said units with the 165th support two to three community events per month, on average. He said the brigade supports events throughout the Midlands and the state.
Capt. Robbie Wilson, 120th Adjutant General Battalion, said local schools benefit from the partnerships with Fort Jackson units. The 120th partners with Sandlapper Elementary School and Pontiac Elementary School.
"The partnership allows us to go into those local schools and read to the children and participate in their school activities," Wilson said. "Because of the partnership, a few of our companies work on a weekly basis with the kids."
Master Sgt. Nakya McDaniels, 187th Ordnance Battalion, said community outreach also helps bridge the Columbia and Fort Jackson communities. For example, Soldiers with the 187th built a playground for children at Midway Elementary School in Cassatt.
"Besides the personal satisfaction you get when you help others, this is an opportunity to enhance the understanding of what we do as an Army and also as a post here at Fort Jackson," said Capt. Eduardo Colon, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 187th.
Colon said school administration has always enjoyed the help of the Soldiers.
"Each school we go to -- and especially at Midway Elementary School -- really appreciated our help and all that we do for the children," Colon said. "Many of our Soldiers are helping out not because it's required of them, but because they enjoy giving back to their local community."
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