1. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil April 17, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 11
News
Story and photos by Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
From the equipment to the parade field
drills, Zion Thompson likes the Army.
On Friday morning, he had the oppor-
tunity to experience firsthand what it is like
to be a Soldier. The 7-year-old served as
squad leader, helping lead his unit of fellow
first-graders through a series of formations
on the field behind Manor View Elementary
School.
“I like doing Army stuff,” Zion said.
The formation drill was part of the
school’s daylong event celebrating the
Month of the Military Child.
The students were joined by members of
the 200th Military Police Command, as well
service members from other units with chil-
dren at Manor View, who led the youngsters
through a series of programs including an
obstacle course and touring a Humvee.
“We’re trying to give awareness to the
Month of the Military Child and show
appreciation for the youth,” said Deadra
Martin, school support specialist with the
200th MP.
Every April, the Department of Defense
celebrates the Month of the Military Child
to recognize the contributions and sacrifices
that the children make as their parent, or
parents, serve.
With a large population of military
dependents attending Manor View, the
school’s guidance counselor Jaclyn Haslun
said it seemed fitting to hold events for the
month.
“We wanted to do a little bit of a celebra-
tion,” she said. “Their parents get most of
the attention for being Soldiers, and the
children kind of serve as well. They have
to move around a lot and they don’t get
to see their parents for months at a time,
sometimes. We wanted to give them a day
where we get to celebrate them.”
During the event, service members led
the youngsters through a series of stations
that highlighted various aspects of military
life. An obstacle course focused on physi-
cal fitness while formation drills taught the
children discipline, Martin said.
“We’re trying to teach them hard work,
dedication and teamwork,” said Master
Sgt. Marcia Jackson of the 200th MP.
“Teamwork is a vital part of what we do
in the military, and we want to pass it on
to them.”
ThechildrenalsotouredaHumveeparked
in the school’s parking lot. While roaming
through the military vehicle, youngsters
asked questions, tried on a helmet and
learned about Meals Ready to Eat.
Inside the school, students created an
Manor View, MPs celebrate Month of the Military Child
American flag mural using their hand
prints.
“We wanted to do this huge mural so
it will be here for years it come,” Haslun
said.
Last week’s festivities were among several
events the elementary school has organized
to celebrate the observance. Other events
included a Red, White and Blue Day and a
Camouflage Day.
“All the kids get very excited about it,”
Haslun said. “We just wanted to give them
an opportunity to celebrate and show our
appreciation for them.”
Capt. John Barbee of the 200th
Military Police Command shows
first-grader Mikayla Jones where to
stand in formation during Manor View
Elementary’s celebration of the Month
of the Military Child on Friday. The event
featured formation drills, an obstacle
course and a tour of a Humvee.
BELOW: Robby Hutto paints his
hand print on a wall of Manor View
Elementary School to help create an
American flag mural on Friday morning.
Children designed a mural using their
hand prints as part of the school’s
Month of the Military Child celebration.