Written by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Todd Christopherson
Task Force Currahee Public Affairs
Paktika Province, Afghanistan – Task Force Currahee leaders and Education Center personnel celebrated the grand opening of Sharana’s Education Center during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 30th.
Now, after three years in the making, the benefits of higher education are available to Soldier-students on Forward Operating Base Sharana.
“It is a bitter sweet opening for me,” said Jeannette Sydnor, the U.S. Army Education Services officer, and a native of Brooklyn, NY “I’ve watched it grow, develop and just when it is opening, I have to leave.”
“We are stepping forward and pushing education services out to the Soldiers located in Afghanistan,” said Norbert Renz, the U.S. Army Continuing Education System country supervisor, and a native of White Plains, NY “Education is becoming more and more important to your ability to get promoted and complete your tasks in the military.”
The education center will offer degrees from the University of Maryland and Central Texas College and Soldiers may earn their associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and even their doctorate through resident and online classes.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Darrin Ricketts, deputy commander for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, a guest speaker, said, “A one year deployment is a long time and if all you are doing is your job, eating, and sleeping you are wasting time and time is a resource you cannot get back. You can better yourself in many ways but most importantly is continuing your education. Make time make a difference in your life and take advantage of this awesome opportunity.”
“Everyone is a student, no matter the rank,” said Mary Draper, incoming U.S. Army Education Services officer, and a native of Panama City, FL “We are here to give them the tools to get their education.”
With the increased importance placed on education, Army leaders understand the significance of improving educational resources, said the 801st Brigade Support Battalion’s command sergeant major.
“The most important thing we as leaders can do is take this information back to our Soldiers,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary R. Holder, 801st BSB, 4th BCT, 101st Airborne Div., and a native of Kingston, Tennessee.
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