Elementary school honors Veterans, opens science lab

By Andrew Sharbel Staff writerNovember 22, 2010

Elementary school honors Veterans, opens science lab
FBES fifth grade teacher Carolyn Tompkins shares a laugh with former garrison commander Col. Jerry Blixt in the new Blixt Science Lab. The school officially opened the new science lab as part of its Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11. Photo by Andrew S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Former garrison commander Col. Jerry Blixt returned to Fort Belvoir Thursday to participate in the Fort Belvoir Elementary School Veterans Day assembly and attend the dedication of the new science lab named in his honor.

In addition to Blixt's presence, Col. Stephanie Foster, project manager Soldier Sensors and Lasers within Program Executive Officer, also was a guest of honor.

Representatives from the Armed Forces Foundation, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association - Fort Belvoir Chapter, Clark Realty and the Army G-1 Civilian Personnel also attended. All of these organizations are partners and supporters of FBES.

FBES Principal Jane Wilson opened the ceremony by honoring several of her staff members who are Veterans and asked some of the attending parents to stand and be recognized.

Next, Foster reaffirmed her commitment as a partner with FBES.

"I stand before you today, reinforcing my commitment as a partner to answer the local call for improving science, technology, engineering and math education within our own region," Foster said. "I look forward to turning this school into a powerhouse for STEM education."

After Foster, each organization took a turn at the podium, reaffirming their commitment to the school and thanked all the Veterans for all their sacrifices.

The crowd next received a treat as one of their teachers, Carolyn Tompkins, introduced her father and special guest, retired Navy Capt. Charles Tompkins, an ex-naval flight officer who made numerous deployments aboard aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin and the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Blixt next spoke about coming back to the installation for the ceremony.

"It's great to be back and I wouldn't have missed this. I had some other places I could have gone, but, for me, this was the place I wanted to be," Blixt said. "Veterans Day is very special. The amount of support shown on this day is really great. It also allows us to salute those Soldiers and servicemembers who have come before us.

"Thanks for all you Soldiers and what you do for us every day," Blixt said.

FBES SCA officers and Safety Patrol Flag Detail presented America's White Table, a tribute to fallen Veterans. Elements of the table represents America's missing and captured members of its armed forces.

After the ceremony, the guests of honor traveled to the unveiling of the new Blixt Science Lab.

Blixt, with his wife, Debbie, and daughter by his side, cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility.

"STEM education is so important for students today," Blixt said. It is truly an honor for my name to be on a facility that is going to help them further their education.

"It is always about the kids and each one of these students is special to all of us," Blixt said.

Blixt was Belvoir's garrison commander for two years ending in July. He is now chief of staff at the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington at Fort McNair, D.C.