LINDSBORG, Kan. — Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division partnered with the Salina Army Recruiting Station to put on a static display demonstrating future career possibilities with the Army during a first responder’s career fair at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg, Kansas, April 26, 2023.
“The Army’s helped me to be all I can be just by pushing my limits,” said Staff Sgt. Leopoldo Delgado, a recruiter with the Kansas City Recruiting Battalion. “One thing I’ve recognized is that people who want to serve their country and want to be bigger than themselves follow the same path and motivation; that eagerness to be the best that they can be. So, I’m glad we’re out here to inform the public. Hopefully, we’ll find that next generation of Soldiers ready to serve their country.”
The fair was organized as part of a larger volunteerism and public service centered community service day. Students were given the opportunity to interface with various community services, including the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, emergency medical services, fire department and the U.S. Army.
Lindsborg, sometimes referred to as "Little Sweden" is a city of less than 4,000 people with a deep connection to its Nordic immigrant heritage. The town is home to a Swedish heritage museum, several Swedish restaurants, as well as the 1904 World Fair’s Swedish pavilion. For its size, Lindsborg sends quite a few people into the armed forces, acknowledged Scott Lee, the Smoky Valley High School principal.
The Army demonstrated four different career opportunities for the children. Spc. William Queen, a combat medic specialist from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, set up a station where he was able to demonstrate the Army’s combat lifesaving capabilities. Queen also allowed the students to try out various pieces of medical equipment, including tourniquets, combat bandages and nasopharyngeal airway tubes.
"We absolutely need these first responders to support our local and rural communities," said Lee. "Some of these jobs are hard to fill, so we want to make sure the kids are aware of these jobs.”
Four combat engineers with B Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division were led by Spc. William Pennington who demonstrated the U.S. Army’s technological capabilities by allowing the students to pilot a Common Robotic System - Individual, a small robot that enables dismounted forces to provide a capability for lower-level reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition to enhance maneuvers and force protection.
“They were really excited about the robot,” said Pennington. “They asked a lot of questions, but it was nice to get to take people who don’t know a lot about the Army and then get to show them what we do.”
Additionally, two mass communication specialists demonstrated Army video and photo technology while Delgado, a former infantryman, led a station on infantry skills and patrolling.
The event ended after 1:00 p.m., when the students returned to school to continue their activities for Community Service Day now with a deeper understanding of the duties of their public services.
“I think it was just great,” said Melanie Falcon, a science teacher at Smokey Valley. “It’s great for the kids to know these people are humans and that they’re friendly. Now they know that when they’re in a situation, they’ll know who’s going to be there to help.”
For more information about careers in the Army visit GoArmy.com.
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