USAEC volunteer reading to students.

Reading Day. Volunteers from the U.S. Army Environmental Command read books with environmental themes to nearly 300 students in 20 classes at Edgewood Elementary School.

The partnership between Edgewood Elementary School and the US Army Environmental Command (USAEC) was chartered on October 27, 1997, to support the educational experience of Edgewood Elementary School students.

Through this partnership, USAEC works with teachers to promote the Edgewood Elementary curriculum throughout the school year by sharing knowledge of the environmental sciences and related professional career paths.

"Education is a key component of the US Army Environmental Command's mission to promote stewardship of our natural resources and sustainability of our environment," says USAEC Public Affairs Officer Bob DiMichele. "Our commitment to these principles extends beyond the borders of the Army's installations to the communities beyond our gates. The longstanding partnership we have with Edgewood Elementary School is one way we demonstrate this commitment, and we have the added pleasure of working with both the teachers and the students."

Each year, USAEC engages in several events at the school, such as Reading Day, Military Appreciation Day, and Earth and Science Day. The partnership with Edgewood Elementary School has been awarded the Army Chief of Public Affairs' Award of Distinction for Army Public Affairs Community Relations Excellence, which recognizes the best practice standard for Army community outreach programs.