FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- The kindergarten students of Capt. Kimberly Hampton Primary School closed out the Month of the Military Child by welcoming paratroopers of 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, April 30.
The month of April is designated as the Month of the Military Child to recognize everything children go through and to honor the sacrifices their families make.
The schools name was adapted after a former Paratrooper assigned to 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. Hampton was an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior pilot who commanded Delta Troop, serving in Iraq when her aircraft was shot down over Fallujah on Jan. 2, 2004.
To help give the students a broader perspective of what Hampton did as an aviator, Paratroopers of 1-17 CAV. visited the school to bring awareness to the Month of the Military Child.
This event offered the opportunity for students to interact with Kiowa pilots and maintainers.
"Through the course of the year, students learned about Capt. Hampton and her service to our country," said Priscilla Joiner, principal, Kimberly Hampton Primary School.
The presence of Kiowa pilots and members of Hampton's prior unit was a treat to many of the students.
"Today's visit will give our students a better understanding of what Capt. Hampton did while serving in the military and allow our students to learn about aviation," said Joiner.
The Paratroopers of 1-17 CAV. in building on the school's theme objective of the week, which was "transportation," spoke with students about the different types of ground and aviation assets within the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
Spc. John Chance, OH-58D helicopter repairer, Delta Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, was one of two maintainers that visited the school.
"This was a great opportunity to explain to the kids the different types of ground and aviation assets we have," said Chance. "We also help them have a better understanding of the type of aircraft Capt. Hampton had flown."
Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Guffey, production control officer, Delta Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Regiment, helped organize the event.
"Making the community aware of the Month of the Military Child and recognizing our military children is just one way we can honor them as they serve like us as well," said Guffey.
As the Month of the Military Child concludes for this year, the Paratroopers of 1-17 CAV, are already planning future events to continue to recognize military children not only in April but rather all year long.
"The most rewarding part of today, was not only recognizing our military child but keeping the legacy of Capt. Hampton alive through them; this is just one way we can contribute," said Guffey.
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