GATESVILLE, Texas -- Soldiers of the Medical Training Task Force partnered with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 393rd Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West began volunteering at the Gatesville Primary School in Gatesville, Texas, recently.
Volunteers participate in one-on-one reading sessions with students in support of the O.T.T.E.R (Our Time to Enjoy Reading) Program.
"While this program is designed for the students at Gatesville Primary, I have a blast being involved," said Lt. Col. Scott Ward, MTTF commander and native of Killeen, Texas. "The simple task of reading to these children may seem menial, but I am always quickly reminded how they sometimes lack that one-on-one reading time at home or at school. Our efforts invaluably help the students and teachers. It's just plain fun!"
Oct. 14 kicked off the MTTF Eagle Strike Soldiers' community outreach program to support 479th adopted school by spending time modeling fluency and growing a love for literature in a small group setting. O.T.T.E.R. is a reading program designed to refine students' reading skills and comprehension.
Each Soldier serves as a reading mentor for three children and spends approximately 20 minutes reading with their student. The program is done monthly in addition to the weekly support provided by Soldiers of the MTTF in the school's reading development lab.
"It's always an incredible opportunity to help enrich young lives and foster a relationship with the students and staff of Gatesville Primary School," said Maj. William Brown, MTTF executive officer from Copperas Cove, Texas.
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