EDUCAT ION, T R A DES & LE A R NING
Student-Soldier Bonds
Igo "Adopted" by Comanche Troop 1-7 CAV by Charlotte Kovalchuk
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eing a U.S. soldier means protecting one’s country, risking your life when needed, and facing adversity with courage and honor. For SPC Dustin Buckbee and SPC Joseph Robinson, it also means racing alongside elementary kids at Fun Runs, showing them how to fly an American flag, and instilling values of integrity and valor. “There’s much more to being a guardian of freedom in the American way of life,” Joseph says. “It’s being able to communicate with civilians outside the four walls of a fort.” That mission took Dustin and Joseph from Fort Hood to Igo Elementary in May as part of the military base’s AdoptA-School program, in which nine Student Council members learned how to fold, care for, and fly the flag. Students also realized the importance of living out the values represented by its colors—from purity to perseverance to valor. “No matter how hard it is, we should always have the courage and valor to do what’s right,” Dustin told the students. Applause filled the room as the fourth grade boys and girls took turns proudly displaying the flag—a typical show of enthusiasm every time soldiers from Fort Hood visit Igo. “Even though they are formal and in uniform, they’re relatable to the kids,” school counselor Lori Smith says. “They can have fun with them. The kids just see them as cool.” Joseph says, “A lot of us who are enlisted will never be famous, but [at Igo Elementary], we feel like superstars.”
INFLUENCE & IMPACT While brainstorming some ideas about teaching Student Council members about flag etiquette, staff found more than they’d hoped for when they learned about Fort Hood’s
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J U N E 2022 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY
SPC Robinson and SPC Buckbee demonstrate proper folding steps.
partnership with Central Texas schools. AdoptA-School is designed to educate regional students about the military and make a positive impact on the community. “It’s a nice way to give back to nearby communities, which really support soldiers and civilians at Fort Hood. It’s a way for us to say thank you for y’all’s support,” Dustin says. Joseph adds, “A lot of people don’t get to know many soldiers. It’s a great opportunity for us to get out there, and it is a remarkable privilege to be able to be the face of the Army in our unit.” Joseph, Dustin, and other soldiers from Fort Hood have joined Igo students on several occasions—at Fun Runs, and playing Uno and Legos with the kids—all while setting an example of integrity and selfless service. “Hopefully our values and discipline can be a beacon for them, something they’ll remember and grow toward as they get older,” Dustin says. Lori hopes to involve soldiers in additional school activities like Literacy Nights, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) events, and Parent Nights with the goal of building positive military relationships with our community. “We look forward to our continued partnership for the upcoming school year,” she says.
