Presentation boards representing almost two months of independent research from 130 fourth and fifth graders applying the scientific method lined the hall ways at Bricker Elementary. The students waited nervously for their turn to explain their hypothesis to judges.
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, volunteered to help judge the Science fair March 5 at Bricker Elementary in Colorado Springs.
Devin Swiatek, who is a fourth grader participating in the fair, said, "My problem is it takes someone to long to clean their room it can take up to one or two hours for someone to clean their room and you can get board when you are cleaning." To solve his problem he said, "I made this robot so you can clean your room a little bit faster it could make it only take 30 minutes."
"I love coming to the school and interacting with the kids and see all their projects. It's pretty creative and fun," said 2nd Lt. Kirstin Schwager, field artillery officer, 2nd Bn.,12th FA Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Schwager arrived to the unit a month ago and said that volunteering in the community wasn't something she was expecting.
"It is a fun change of pace from the work day and its great just helping judge these kids science fair projects," said Schwager.
The battalion has sponsored Bricker Elementary during the last four years and helping out with many different school activities.
Stacy Aldridge, principal at Bricker Elementary, said the Soldiers have done everything from planting trees to posting the colors at formal school events.
"It has really been a gift of service to our kids, it's a collaborative effort between us the battalion and the neighborhood, the kids just really appreciate their time," said Aldridge.
Maj. Tim Gatlin, executive officer, 2nd Bn., 12th FA Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div, volunteers in the community at every post he's stationed and said he feels it's important to show the human side of Soldiering.
"I make it point at each military intuition to be a part of some kind of community service as a way to give back," said Gatline. "I would never be in this uniform if someone hadn't come to my high school to talk to me about being in the United States Military."
Social Sharing