FORT HOOD, Texas -- A child wearing a backpack depicting his favorite cartoon character crosses a crosswalk holding his parent's hand. When they reach the entrance of a building that was nearly empty for the last few months, they found 3rd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers waiting to welcome them.
Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment; 215th Brigade Support Battalion; and 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment assisted the students and parents on the first day of school Aug. 25 at the Miller Heights Elementary School, Bellaire Elementary School, and Venable Village Elementary School, respectively.
"Today we made sure that our Soldiers were in place to help get students safely to class and that the parents got in, said their good mornings, goodbyes, and got out," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Vereen, a career counselor and school engagement coordinator with the 215th BSB.
Jaine Dew, a teacher's aide at Bellaire Elementary School, was especially happy to have troops assisting at her school. While out front helping kids out of their parents' cars, she had 215th BSB Soldiers by her side.
"It was awesome having the extra help and some more friendly faces out front," said Dew. "Whether it's helping in the cafeteria to taking a small group of children and reading with them, they're boosting morale. We value our Soldiers and everything they do to help us."
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team units partner with several area schools. Additionally, the brigade is also now slated to work with Copperas Cove community on various activities and events there.
"More and more Soldiers are volunteering their time without being asked," said Vereen, a native of Mobile, Alabama. "With all of the activities we have planned with the community, this will be a successful year."
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