KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz and the 86th Airlift Wing joined Ramstein Elementary School in the spirit of partnership in an Adopt-A-School program event to provide assistance through military community support Feb. 24.
The program is a voluntary, ongoing partnership between schools and military units. The partnership increases awareness of the military's mission, enhances the quality of dependent education and fulfills needed services within the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
"What a great opportunity this is for us to affirm our dedication to the Adopt-A-School Program because really it is about linking up our service members with our young people to learn from each other," said Deputy Garrison Commander Deborah Reynolds. "It gives our service members an opportunity to volunteer and share their experiences with the kids. So we look forward to this partnership."
Volunteering encourages Soldiers and Airmen to be active community members and improves institutional and family morale by creating a sense of belonging while stationed overseas.
The garrison and wing will assist teachers, staff and more than 800 students enrolled in RES with special events, school beautification projects and literacy night.
Ultimately, we are all a part of the same community, said Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., 86th Airlift Wing commander.
"This program is very near and dear to my heart, because my son is a part of this school," the commander said. "One of the things we gain living overseas is the ability to all be in the same family to represent the same ideals. It's easy to rally around the kids. I'm honored to be here and be a part of it."
RES joins Kaiserslautern High School who partnered with 21st Special Troops Battalion in the Adopt-A-School program five years ago.
"This program is our opportunity to enrich our youth," said Lt. Col. Caprissa Brown-Slade, 21 STB commander. "It's like the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child,' that's our philosophy. Any opportunity we have to help support -- that's what we do."
Over the years, the battalion supported KHS through empowering sessions, volunteer events, assisting with clubs and tutoring.
"The 21st has been with us for the past five years, and it's been supportive in everything we've asked for," said KHS Principal Dr. Barriett Smith. "So our hats are off for the 21st for creating and sustaining this partnership, and we look forward to an ongoing relationship."
Reynolds commended the 21 STB for sustaining the strong bond with the KHS, because it "demonstrates the commitment the unit has for the school, and how the school embraces the unit," she said. With command support for the Adopt-A-School program, Reynolds said she anticipates all schools in the KMC will soon have a unit to adopt them.
"Currently, we have two more school partnerships in the works -- the 5th Military Police Battalion and Sembach Elementary School and the USAG RP and Kaiserslautern Middle School."
The event was symbolic of the long-term commitment that doesn't happen any place in the world in the public school system, said Dr. Elizabeth Dunham, DoDEA Kaiserslautern district superintendent.
"We understand the importance of the military families to the mission and none of us will know who that key person was who has the impact in the lives of the children -- of course the parents and the teachers, but how often is it that one of our partnership groups come in and make that difference for a young person," Dunham said. "So all of you here today, our school-level leaders and our military leaders, you are symbolic of the commitment and the caring we feel from all of you every day, and we look forward to many more new partnerships as well as the benefits of those that are already enduring. On behalf of our entire school staff, we thank you greatly and we look forward to greater success in the future."
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