FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, participated in Hattie Halstead Elementary School Annual Field Day celebration in Copperas Cove, Texas, May 21.
More than 250 students from the 3rd through 6th grade, wearing "Unleash your Potential" green t-shirts, made their way through twelve different stations on the school's playground and gymnasium, with each station offering a different game or activities.
Students visited various stations for more than ten-minutes where they were assisted and cheered on by the Soldiers.
Stations included kick your shoe for distance, softball toss, javelin throw, bowling and the long jump, among others.
"We get to be outside all day and that's the good part," said Erik Lozano, 11. "We are going to have to study on Monday, but today is a fun day!"
"Steel Dragon" Soldiers regularly volunteer their time and services as part of the Adopt-a-School program, though their time is usually spent on less exciting activities like tutoring and anything else a teacher might need help with.
"For more than a year we didn't have the Soldiers help, but ever since they've returned, they sure make a difference." said Debbie Zudell, a veteran teacher of more than twenty years.
Spc. Michael Baldwin, with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, said he loves being a part of the battalion's adopt-a-school program; working with the kids and seeing them have a good time.
"A lot of people look at the Army and they think 'war', but then you get an opportunity like this. When they see Soldiers out here playing with the kids, it changes the perception people have of the military," said Baldwin.
The kids displayed their enthusiasm at every event and showed positive attitudes and good sportsmanship throughout the day.
"I know they are having fun by looks on their faces," said parent involvement liaison Norma Corn. "I've heard more than 20 of them say it, 'This is great, we've having such a good time.'"
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