Sixth graders from the Episcopal School of Dallas received an education from Soldiers of the 1st Recruiting Brigade on “Army 101” at the Pentagon Feb. 12.

1. FIELD FILE | RJ
Brigade Staff Teaches Army 101 “On your feet!” ordered Holloway as the students jumped to
Story and photo by Robin Fulkerson, 1st Recruiting Brigade attention.
She looked around and smiled as the students before her took
Sixth graders from the Episcopal School of Dallas received an
the order seriously, “Take your seats!”
education from Soldiers of the 1st Recruiting Brigade on “Army
101” at the Pentagon Feb. 12. She pulled them to their feet again — a little louder with her
tone.
Lt. Col. Janice Gravely, 1st Lt. Horacio Brambila and Sgt. 1st
Class Ericka Holloway gave the introductory presentation to the “This is the way we do it in the Army,” she said. “Now let me
audience of nearly 100 students and chaperones who were hear you say, ‘HOOAH.’”
eager to learn about Army values, missions and history. “HOOAH!” The students roared, some smiling, others taking
The visit was part of the school’s annual trip to Washington, the order with great pride.
D.C., according to Vicki Patterson, trip coordinator. Holloway presented students a unique view of a Soldier, one
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and Maj. Gen. Kevin that showed the group that Soldiers are well-rounded just like
Bergner, Army Chief of Public Affairs, gave welcoming remarks everyday citizens.
and opening discussion on the current status of the Army and “My service is not just about Iraq and fighting,” she said, “I
its personnel. enjoy my contribution to the Army in keeping good quality
Bergner questioned the students on several Army facts, and Soldiers in boots.”
students excitedly raised their hands, trying to guess the “But, I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aerobics instruc-
answers. Student Lakshmi Uppalapati learned what the Army tor, a student, and a United States Army Soldier, just to name a
tradition of coining was after correctly guessing the number of few,” added Holloway.
countries the Army has presence. Feeling at home at the head of the class, Brambila, brigade
marketing officer, taught for 10 years — part of that time as a
sixth grade teacher — prior to entering the Army as a Reservist.
“It brought back my teaching memories,” he said. “This
affirms the fact that eventually I will return to teach in the
classroom.”
Brambila gave the students lessons on history and some of
the Army’s missions but hoped the students learned the Army
was about more than just infantry.
“Dispelling the myth that the Army is just infantry is critical,”
he said. “Additionally, from top to bottom, the military is one of
the most educated organizations in the world.”
Gravely, brigade operations officer, explained to the students
that the Army and the Episcopal School of Dallas have some-
thing in common: a value system.
“We are a value-based organization and you all being a
Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner explains the design of his coin prior Christian school know a lot about values,” she said.
to presenting it to Episcopal School of Dallas student To help students remember the seven Army Values more
Lakshmi Uppalapati for guessing the number of countries easily, Gravely described them using the LDRSHIP acronym.
the Army has presence.
“Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity
and Personal Courage,” she recited proudly. “These are the
“I can say this is the first time I’ve given a coin for guessing Army Values we live by.”
the best,” said Bergner with a smile. The Army Future Combat Systems robot demonstration had
Geren candidly answered questions from the group about the students in awe as it buzzed around the room. Lt. Col. Marty
body armor and vehicle protection. Ultimately, he was pleased Hagenston described how the robot was used in the field as it
with their interest in learning about the Army. was maneuvered around the auditorium.
“Your presence here shows your appreciation for them The Dallas students were ushered off for an official tour of
[Soldiers],” said Geren. “Today you’re going to see people the Pentagon, including the chapel and the new Pentagon
representing all aspects of the Army.” Memorial.
And they did. 1st Recruiting Brigade alone provided insights Gravely believes the presentation provided the students with
into both the Active and Reserve components and two different a greater understanding of their Army and offered them insight
branches of the Army. into why they should support our nation’s largest force.
Holloway, brigade senior career counselor, enticed the group “This is their Army,” she said, “and we all have a part in
with a boisterous order to start the USAREC presentation. maintaining a strong force and protecting our nation.”
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