Education Outreach Aimed at Inspiring Future Workers

By Kari Hawkins, Redstone Rocket StaffApril 15, 2009

Arsenal Ambassadors
Members of AMCOM’s Education Outreach Program receive recognition from deputy commander Ronnie Chronister, third from right, for their recent efforts to share the Arsenal story and career opportunities with children of all ages. With Chronister are, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Recruiting for civilian jobs at Redstone Arsenal can start at an early age.

While high school students would naturally be the primary target for Army civilians involved in AMCOM's Education Outreach Program, they are also talking to children in local elementary and middle schools in hopes of inspiring younger students who have an interest in science and math to someday look to the Arsenal for employment.

BRAC and the decline in the number of young people entering science and math fields has caused "concern about having enough people to fill jobs," AMCOM deputy commander Ronnie Chronister said. "This is an opportunity for mission failure. We want kids in high school and college thinking they have an opportunity for a career at Redstone Arsenal."

To that end, volunteers with the Education Outreach Program are "getting out in schools at all levels" to share career opportunities. Recently, the following Aviation and Missile Command employees were presenters at local schools. They are listed with their topic and the school where they presented:

Aca,!Ac Vern Spearman, Careers In Science, Randolph School;

Aca,!Ac Barry Beavers, Our Nation, Rolling Hills Elementary School;

Aca,!Ac Brenda Forte, Our City, Rolling Hills Elementary School;

Aca,!Ac John Severn, Our City, Rolling Hills Elementary School;

Aca,!Ac Dr. Tom Pieplow, Careers with a Purpose, Sparkman High School;

Aca,!Ac Dan Parker; Financial Literacy; Madison County High School;

Aca,!Ac Jan Robinson; Financial Literacy; Madison County High School;

Aca,!Ac Brandy Goff; Careers with a Purpose; Sparkman High School;

Aca,!Ac Lt. Col. Greg Bayuga, Leadership Development, Monrovia Elementary School; and

Aca,!Ac Deborah Mclemore Baugh, Women's History Month, Oakwood University.

While offering information about future Army careers is the top priority of the Education Outreach Program, it is also hoped the program will make the community more aware of the work performed on Redstone Arsenal.

"Besides giving them an understanding that there are career opportunities at Redstone Arsenal, our volunteers also work as ambassadors," Chronister said, as he spoke to the volunteers during a special recognition ceremony April 7.

"It's good to see you in our schools. The feedback is phenomenal. It's surpassed our wildest expectations. You are ambassadors for Redstone Arsenal."

Chronister said all Redstone Arsenal employees should find ways to share the Arsenal story and to volunteer within their communities.

"It's your responsibility as leaders and employees here to get out in the community," he said. "We have to pay attention to the things happening outside our gates. We need to encourage community awareness and community support.

"We are very, very appreciative to all of you because this program takes your time. It says a lot about you as leaders. You are having a tremendous impact."