FSH Engages Community with Adopt-A-School Program

By Staf Sgt. Corey Baltos, USARNORTHMarch 27, 2013

McQueen
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas " Maj. Gen. Adolph McQueen Jr. deputy commanding general for support, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), reminds educators and service members that, "we need to do more with less while still providing for children's education," as ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas " Command Sgt. Maj. Hu Rhodes, senior enlisted leader for U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, addresses attendees during the School-Unit Partnership luncheon for the Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gottardy
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas " Dr. Brian Gottardy, superintendent of the North East Independent School District discusses the impact that budget cuts will have on local schools during the School-Unit Partnership luncheon for the Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas " Lt. Col. Zoltan Krompecher, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North, talks about the impact that a service member can have on an at-risk student by spending one hour a week with them during the Sc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (March 27, 2012) - "Lt. Gen. Caldwell has challenged us to do the very best we can for our children," said Maj. Gen. Adolph McQueen Jr., deputy commanding general for support, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). (With the Adopt-A-School Program) together we will influence a culture and provide opportunities for the next generation."

Military and education leaders from Fort Sam Houston and the surrounding community met March 19 at a School-Unit Partnership luncheon for the Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School Program, at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course to discuss the success of the program and plan for the next school year.

The major theme of the luncheon was "Doing More with Less."

Dr. Brian Gottardy, the superintendent of the North East Independent School District, said that as school budgets are reduced the relationship between the schools and Fort Sam Houston would become more important.

"You don't know how much our partnership with you improves the lives of our children," he said. "This relationship will help us get through these tough times."

Units on Fort Sam Houston are partnered with nine schools with the NEISD, the San Antonio Independent School District and the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District. Throughout the year, Soldiers partner with their designated school and provide mentorship to students as well as assist with career days, field trips, and many other activities.

"Having service members in our schools helps kids who are struggling because you all are good role models," said Tina Reck, principal for East Terrell Hills Elementary School.

One of the most beneficial parts of the luncheon was when the units and schools updated everyone on what they are doing with their partnership.

"This exchange of ideas is great," said Lt. Col. Zoltan Krompecher, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North. "Devoting one hour a week of our time can have a significant impact on a child's life. I know this is true because I was that kid, and someone saw something in me."

The benefits of volunteering with the schools go both ways.

As Soldiers we get to share our qualities of character and values with the students," said Maj. Chris Oliver, headquarters and headquarters company commander, 32nd Medical Brigade. "This is a great program and we need to continue it."

Command Sgt. Maj. Hu Rhodes, senior enlisted leader for Army North, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, challenged the educators to use their military organizations to enrich the learning and achievement experiences of their students.

"Think what it will do for a student who makes the honor role to get recognized by service members with a handshake and a certificate of achievement from the unit," he said.