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HomeNews101st Airborne Division Rakkasans pay a visit to South Christian Elementary School

101st Airborne Division Rakkasans pay a visit to South Christian Elementary School

Written by 2nd Lt. Adam J. Odle
1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment UPAR

RakkasanFort Campbell KY, 101st Airborne Division

Herndon, KY – Soldiers assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division visited South Christian Elementary School in Herdon, KY February 8th, 2019 to assist the faculty and staff with classes and interact with the students.

The day began when Soldiers met students as they arrived at school and accompanied them to breakfast. After breakfast, Soldiers assisted the teachers by joining their classes.

Spc. Grayson Sauer, an infantryman with C Co., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, poses in front of South Christian Elementary. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. John Radigan)
Spc. Grayson Sauer, an infantryman with C Co., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, poses in front of South Christian Elementary. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. John Radigan)

The Leader Rakkasans assisted with reading, art, math, and physical education class activities before returning back to Fort Campbell.

“Being able to sit down with the students and help them in their classes is as enjoyable an experience as there is,” said Spc. Christian Stafford. “But whenever you realize you’re actually making a difference and they’re more interested in learning because a Soldier is helping, it’s just awesome.” Like Spc. Stafford, Soldiers who attend the events at South Christian often say that the most important part is making a difference.

Spc. Raul Hernandez, an infantryman with C Co., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, greets South Christian students as they arrive for school in the morning. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. John Radigan)
Spc. Raul Hernandez, an infantryman with C Co., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, greets South Christian students as they arrive for school in the morning. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. John Radigan)

The faculty often see the difference these Soldiers make firsthand.

“I love the Rakkasans partnering with our school,” said Jennifer Wallace, a sixth grade math teacher. “The most valuable time given is when they spend time tutoring and getting to know the students. Our students enjoy having role models and engaging with the soldiers.”

The partnership between the students, faculty, and staff of South Christian Elementary School and Leader Battalion has been a very successful program for the past several years.

The relationship continues to provide events that are enjoyable for the Soldiers, faculty, and the children of the community.

“1-187 has been very good to South Christian and we can see a difference in the student’s work when someone cares enough to volunteer their time,” said Karie Pepper, the Family Resource Director at South Christian Elementary. “We are so thankful for their willingness to be here.”

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