When a Soldier says, "I've got your Six" that means they have your back, or more broadly, that your battle buddy is backing you up. For students at East Terrell Hills Elementary School their battle buddy is the 264th Medical Battalion. Seeing Soldiers is always a familiar welcome treat for the students.
Therefore, it came as no surprise when the Soldiers of the 264 MED BN delivered over $3,000 in school supplies to the school. Lieutenant Colonel Werner J. Barden, Commander 264th MED BN, Command Sergeant Major Carlisie Y. Jones, 264th MED BN CSM, and members of the battalion presented the supplies to the first grade students and teachers. For these young students it was chance for them to ask what it is like being a Soldier and how they joined the Army. They were especially interested in each Soldier's jobs and their uniform patches.
"Both the students and teachers were in need of supplies at this time in the school year," said LTC Barden. "It's about a 50/50 split between student and teacher supplies. "Teachers and students normally begin a new school year with the supplies need to execute their mission. We start to see a need and impact after the Holiday Season, when supplies run low and money is diverted elsewhere. This is where we believe we can have the biggest impact, providing our educators the tools required to execute their job effectively. By replenishing those cupboards with much need supplies, we can help ensure both the Teachers and Students have what they need to get them to the end of the year".
As part of the Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School program, the Soldiers of the 264th MED BN are regular fixture at East Terrell Hills Elementary School, with 50 Cadre members volunteering over 1,500 hours each year in events such as career day, festivals, appreciation breakfasts, health fairs, clothing drives, and reading days. During Career Day students saw demonstrations on microbiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, medical imaging, and combat medical first aid.
The battalion supports two mentorship programs, Adopt-a-Student (similar to the Big Brother/Big Sister program) and Watch D.O.G.S, Dads of Great Students; a program provides positive male role models in and around the school. The battalion also participates in East Terrell Hills Community Outreach Programs, helping to build a sense of community, trust and support between surrounding neighborhoods and school.
During last year's Career Day students saw demonstrations on microbiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, medical imaging, and combat medical first aid.
"They directly impact our students by mentoring, providing resources, and being available to our community," said Ms. Jennifer Gutierrez, Principal of East Terrell Hills Elementary, describing the support from the 264th MED BN. "Endless hours have been dedicated to our school. They consistently support and assist our campus without hesitation. We are so grateful and fortunate to have the Ft. Sam 264th Medical Battalion as a community partner."
East Terrell Hills Elementary School is part of the Northeast Independent School District. At an award ceremony in December 2016 Mr. Brian G. Gottardy, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools, honored the 264th MED BN for their support. The Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School Program is part of the many activities between the military and local communities providing Soldiers the opportunity to give back to the residents of San Antonio.
Related Links:
East Terrell Hills Elementary School Homepage
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