FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- At Fort Jackson, we are extremely fortunate to have two DoDEA schools. I'm proud to say that they are some of our greatest resources. For this reason, it is important that we take the time to recognize our children, teachers and administrators for their sacrifices and accomplishments in education.

As many of you know, "Quality of Life" is one of my four priorities and education is a significant component of that because as a father of three, educating and instilling life skills in our children has always been a top concern for my family, as I am sure is the same for every Army family.

We understand the challenges that accompany our Army Families -- from permanent change-of-duty stations to long duty hours -- that can lead to less family time, new schools, loss of friends and the list goes on. Regardless, they still manage to excel and I applaud them for their resilience and persistence in conquering those challenges and achieving their academic goals.

Our teachers also are confronted with the great challenges of providing modernized educational opportunities, and closing the achievement gap among students from diverse backgrounds.

They have done a great job of incorporating innovative programs that enhance life skills and of empowering students with education to prepare them for their future. Educators guide students in not only acquiring knowledge, but also in effectively and creatively using what they know to become continuous learners.

For instance, the PatriArts program provides workshops and performances for the students in the areas of dance, drama, music and the visual arts. In addition, school media centers allow students to create movies, work on class projects, and use academic evaluation programs. These resources are essential to a child's success as a lifelong learner.

I believe the vision of C.C. Pickney Elementary School is consistent with our desires for our children. The vision is, "Preparing students to be 21st century learners through communication, collaboration and purposeful teaching."

I believe we are preparing them to be leaders also. Any great leader will tell you that positive communication from a mentor plays a vital role in success.

I encourage each of you to spend as much quality time with your children as possible. Show how much you appreciate their diligence, resilience and sacrifice.

This week is Read Across America week in honor of Dr. Seuss. Several leaders, parents, and family members went to the schools to read to our children. I also had the pleasure to read to both schools and I realized something: From the youngest to the oldest students, they all seemed delighted to have someone take the time to show them that they were special. Theodore Roosevelt said it best, "No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." This is just as true at home as it is in the workplace.

At our schools we consider people that have a vested interest in our children's education and life skills as stakeholders. As a stakeholder, I always want to encourage our children with positive messages that will remind them they are a part of an Army Family that cares. They can attain their fullest potential with all of our help. We must remind them that they are not alone and they are a part of one of the largest, effective, and capable military Families known to mankind. Team Jackson, we take great pride in knowing we have some of the best military children, teachers and school administrators. Their continued achievements contribute to our vision of becoming an Army Community of Excellence in 2014.

Remember to encourage your children, thank their teachers and, most of all, participate in making our children's goals attainable.

Army Strong and Victory Starts Here!

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