Strength In Action Tour challenges Milwaukee students

By Pat Adelmann, Milwaukee Army Recruiting BattalionOctober 31, 2012

Strength In Action Tour Challenges Battalion Schools
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Strength In Action Tour Challenges Battalion Schools
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MILWAUKEE (Oct. 30, 2012) -- The Strength in Action Tour challenged students both physically and mentally at three area high schools in the Fort McCoy Company footprint. The traveling asset visited Tomah, Wausau West and Wausau East High Schools giving students the chance to test themselves during interactive fitness and educational challenges.

They were also given the chance to "fly" in an Apache simulator.

The asset was focused on priority schools within the company and was well received by the Soldiers working the event. Interacting with the students in a non-recruiting environment kept pressure off the Soldiers and students alike while creating an environment that will make recruiting in the schools visited a little more open in the future.

"The tour opened up some high schools that were pseudo closed for us," said Capt. Sam Hone, Fort McCoy Recruiting Company commander. "It was a non-threatening event for the schools and enabled us to set up a mass COI event at the schools which will open classrooms to the recruiters."

Sgt. 1st Class Jack Main, Wausau Center Commander, echoed his company commander's sentiments.

"It gave us the chance to get much needed exposure in our schools," said Main. "It allowed us to gain the trust of the faculty that we weren't just there to take from the schools. By giving back it gave us credibility with the students, faculty and administrators."

The faculty and students enjoyed the asset, as well.

"It's a great opportunity for kids to interact with the military," said Matt Anderson, the Wausau East wrestling coach. "It puts a personality with the uniform and is a good relationship builder."

"This was really good for the kids, especially those going in to the military," said Ceanna Christen, an 11th and 12th grade English teacher from Tomah High School. "Twenty-five percent of the students are talking about being in the military in some aspect. This is up from previous years."

Each student registered for the event and their information was passed on to the recruiters. More than anything it gave the recruiters the chance to connect with their schools in a positive and giving forum.

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Army.mil: Community Relations News

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