FORT CARSON, Colo. (Dec. 3, 2013) -- Monday thru Friday at Army installations throughout the world, Soldiers conduct physical readiness training to help ensure physical fitness and combat readiness. Students at Patriot Elementary here, were given the opportunity to do the same Nov. 18-20, when Soldiers visited the school to train with them.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion "Fighting Eagles," 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, joined with students at Patriot Elementary to conduct modified physical readiness training, referred to in the Army as PRT, sessions as part of the school's "Fueling the Future" program.
The Fighting Eagles Soldiers who already volunteer at the school through the adopt-a-school program, conducted the one-hour PRT sessions with two different grades each day, to ensure every student was provided the opportunity to attend.
Nicole Leth, designer of the "Fueling the Future" program, and spouse to Lt. Col. Allen Leth, commander of the Fighting Eagles battalion, said she hopes the program will catch on across the Army, because of the benefits to leading a healthy lifestyle.
"We want the students to understand the importance of good nutrition and physical activity," Leth said. "We want the parents to engage their children about what they learned at school so the whole family will be brought into the discussion about healthy choices."
Soldiers started each session with a modified warm-up followed by a short calisthenics session. After completing the calisthenics, the students conducted a light run in the gym with the Soldiers calling out cadence.
Leth said it was vital to set the example through the Soldiers at the units first, so they can pass it on to the families.
"We, as leaders, must ensure our Soldiers are physically and mentally fit, and one way we do this is by encouraging them to participate in healthy activities outside the work place," explained Leth. "The 'Fueling the Future' program is just another way we can assist families and get them involved as well. We help teach the children, and they can go home and share it with their families."
Spc. Carlos Legarreta, a platoon medic, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, said it was a rewarding experience for him to be a part of the PRT sessions with the students.
"It's important to let the children know how crucial it is to be physically fit," Legarreta said. "As role models for these children, when we have this type of opportunity to share with them, it drives home the importance of it all."
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