Army Life Rail Gunner Style
(March 13, 2011) |
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FORT HOOD, Texas (March 9, 2011) — Rail Gunner
soldiers welcomed 80 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
cadets, March 7, from the A J. Moore Academy out of Waco,
Texas, and gave them an in-depth view of the multiple launch
rocket systems, and the various weapons used within the 41st
Fires Brigade.
The JROTC cadets had a chance to
explore the different motor pools, and were given a small
look inside the everyday life of the soldiers from 41st
Fires Brigade. The cadets were shown how to handle weapons,
ate lunch at Roosevelt Hall Dining Facility, attended an
award ceremony, and had their questions answered about
military life.
The JROTC program at A.J. Moore
Academy is designed to help the cadets
experience life as soldiers and help them to see
the different varieties of jobs. The school's |
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Soldiers from Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, show Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp cadets from A.J. Moore Academy, the multiple launch rocket system during their visit
on March 4, 2011. The cadets received a close-up view of the MLRS, and learned how to operate various weapons during their yearly visit to Fort Hood. |
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JROTC program is ran by retired Sgt. Maj. Willie
Jones, a native of Pearson, Ga., and sergeant
major for the program. The cadets come to Fort
Hood yearly to visit units around post. |
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“My goal was for the cadets
to meet combat soldiers and get a feel for how things
operate,” said Jones. “By knowing (Command) Sgt. Maj. Hughes
and others in this battalion, we called to see if they could
host us. This is the first time the program has come to the
41st Fires Brigade. The cadets had a great time and enjoyed
the hands-on experience. I'm glad that the Rail Gunners were
able to support us and have us come out.”
Pfc.
Melissa Gomes, a native of Boston, a sergeants major
assistant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 41st
Fires Bde., set up the visit and demonstrations to show the
cadets what field artillery soldiers do on a daily basis.
“They got a taste of what it was like to be in the Army
for a day,” said Gomes. “The cadets learned a lot of cool
things about weapons, rockets, and the workings of a fires
brigade.”
Sgt. David Summers, from Emmett, Iaho, a
MLRS section crew chief for Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 20th
Field Artillery Regiment, gave classes on the .50 caliber
machine gun.
“I am the armorer so they asked me to
provide information for the group that was coming through,”
Summers. “I love training; that is my job as a
noncommissioned officer. We went over simple loading
procedures of the .50 cal, malfunctions, characteristics,
mounting positions, range, and answered the cadet's
questions.”
The cadets had the opportunity to see
what active duty soldiers do and ask them questions about
their experiences. Chris Elizondo, from Waco, Texas, and a
junior at A.J. Moore Academy, was excited to see some active
duty soldiers and receive insight on what to expect when
he's able to join.
“I'm planning on joining the
Marines or the Army when I graduate,” said Elizondo. “The
soldiers taught me a lot today and taught me a few things
about what to expect. But I was mostly excited about
handling the M203 grenade launcher and learning what the .50
caliber can do when mounted to a tank. I can wait to get
back and tell my friends about my experiences here today.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Kelvin Hughes, from Shreveport, La.,
said the goal of the visit was to show the cadets a more
realistic view on how the Army operates.
“This is an
experience that they should cherish because a lot of people
won't get a first-hand experience like this.” said Hughes.
“I wanted the cadets to leave the brigade with valuable
information and the opportunity of being around soldiers and
military equipment. I think talking to soldiers and being
submerged into the military lifestyle creates a better
picture than hear-say and second hand knowledge.”
The
cadets went home knowing a little more about the Army. They
left with an experience that not a lot of people get to see
before they enlist. The cadets handled weapons, went inside
vehicles, ate at the DFAC, and even two soldiers were given
Rail Gunner coins for excellence for their hard work and
dedication throughout the school year. |
Article and photo by Army Spc. Dalinda Hanna
41st Fires Brigade
Copyright 2011 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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