FORT LEE, Va. (Oct. 12, 2011) -- One of the larger training objectives in the Soldierization process for companies with Initial Entry Training troopsis to instill the Army Values (Leadership, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage).
Advanced Individual Training companies across Fort Lee search out ways to best reach the new Soldiers. Some companies offer PowerPoint presentations covering the values; others pick a "Value of the Week" to talk about in interactive group discussions; but the best method to reach the Soldiers is helping them to practice the Army Values themselves.
Bravo Company, 266th Quartermaster Battalion facilitated a selfless service value session at the Petersburg National Battlefield Oct. 7 that included 88 students, two Cadre, numerous park Civilians, and many weed eaters.
The Soldiers of Bravo Company linked up with Tim Blumenshine, Petersburg National Battlefield site biologist, in the early morning at the Visitors Center. Blumenshine, along with Park historians and archaeologists, gave the Soldiers an overview of the battle site, and then split them into teams to start work.
The Soldiers painted signs at Confederate Battery Five along the Dimmock Line, cleared fields and opened up a pathway for a future road between Fort Steadman and Fort Haskell, and mowed lawns and trimmed weeds at General Grant's Headquarters at City Point. The civilians at the Park showed their appreciation for the Soldiers by working alongside them and by briefing the Soldiers of the history at each location. Blumenshine commented that, "usually the park hires 12 seasonal employees to help clean the park during the summer months every year, but because of budget cuts the park only received four this year. So your work is a great help."
Overall the Soldiers enjoyed the day away from Fort Lee, and Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Edwards (Bravo Company platoon sergeant) capitalized on the opportunity after the event by leading a discussion among the troops about what they learned and why it is important to volunteer. All the Soldiers who participated in the volunteer community service received a pass over the holiday weekend.
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