FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Children smiled and waved to the cheering crowd as they entered the stadium and made their way to the stands, all to the rhythm of a high school band.
More than 40 Army Soldiers from the 689th and 690th Rapid Port Opening Elements were on hand to help 700 children from more than 20 schools have a fun-filled day of games and laughter during the George Green 42nd Annual Special Education Field Day at John B. Todd Stadium in Newport News, Va.
This is the second year the RPOEs have participated in the event.
"When the event coordinator asked us to get involved, we saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community," said 1st Lt. Brian Kavanagh, 689th RPOE operations officer.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Adams, also with the 689th RPOE, said that his commander encourages everyone to volunteer.
"While you're living in a community, you should also be part of it," he said. "It's always good to give back especially to the kids. We get to show them a different side of the military."
Susan McAuliffe, event coordinator, said the Army volunteers helped set a positive example for the younger high school volunteers.
"I love when they come out here because the kids need to see that everyone is supportive," she said.
The Soldiers helped the children participate in more than 35 events, such as corn hole, flying disc, cup stacking, giant-ball rolling and relay races.
During the events, the children were full of energy, running around and cheering. As the Soldiers helped, they couldn't help but feel some of the children's happiness and cheer too.
During a game of corn hole, Elijah Sturge, special education field day participant, smiled and tossed bean bags as hard as he could at the board while Sgt. Grace Jenkins from the 689th RPOE clapped and cheered him on while handing him more bags to toss.
"He has a lot of energy; this is a great way for him to get rid of some of it," said Elijah's mother, Shauna Sturge. "It's good of the Army to volunteer since we live near the base and are in a military area."
Spc. Angelica Moses-Berry with the 689th RPOE, and one of the elementary school participants, worked together to push a giant beach ball down the stadium field, navigateing it between two cones.
"I had so much fun during the giant-ball rolling game," said Moses-Berry. "I was trying to not get run over by the ball."
Moses-Berry also stated she was excited to volunteer for the event for a second year in a row.
"I love the way the kids respond to each and every one of us as we are helping them," she said.
The smiling faces and constant laughter indicated the Soldiers had done more that just assist in the event; they helped create lasting memories for the children.