Army.Mil
Fort Bragg, NC | March 8, 2012
Soldiers from 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade celebrated the birthday of Theodore Seuss Geizel, known as "Dr. Seuss" with a special trip to Gordon Elementary School Mar. 2.
Pamela Bailey, the school's librarian, worked with Soldiers of the brigade for the second time this year during a book reading event and appreciated their service. She helped the Soldiers get into character by supplying them with Dr. Seuss top hats and ties.
"This is a great partnership program we have," Bailey said. "I had a great time working with the Soldiers and I am looking forward to future engagements with the Soldiers of the Spartans Brigade."
Soldiers made their way through the school reading to a number of classes; covering all grade levels from kindergarten to fifth grade. The Soldiers also engaged in other activities with the children such as making Dr. Seuss top hats out of construction paper and making green slime out of glue and water to represent the meal from one of Dr. Seuss' most popular books, "Green Eggs and Ham." The Soldiers also ate lunch with the students. They agree that their day was well spent: A morning filled with booking reading, followed by an afternoon lunch with the kids.
The day proved to be fun for the students and Soldiers. Spc. Teshonda Getties believed that the Soldiers actually got the most out of the experience.
"The kids enjoyed it, but I enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer again," Getties said.
For other Soldiers, the event would be their first community service experience. Spc. Shane Wheeler was grateful to be a part of the event and volunteer his time.
"This was definitely something I was happy to do. I look forward to volunteering in the future," said Wheeler.
Although many children who attend Gordon Elementary School come from military families, the Adopt-A-School partnership allows interaction between Soldiers and students without a military tie. The program also enables students to gain a better understanding of how Soldiers give back to the community.
In 1997, the National Education Association established "National Read Across America" day on Mar. 2. Members of the association decided that the annual event would be most exciting to kids of all ages if it took place on the birthday of the beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. Read Across America is intended to further motivate and teach children the importance of reading.