FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The goal for every school program is create leaders and guide them through a process of progression in their lives. One would call that an achievable dream. For one program in the Newport News area, Achievable Dream is not just a symbol to strive for but a name.
Achievable Dream Elementary is located in the heart of downtown Newport News. The school is a year-round, non-profit public school for grades kindergarten through fifth.
Every day Soldiers from 6th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Eustis volunteer their time and efforts to the school, as they would with each other on the battlefield.
Sgt. Deshawn Underwood, a cargo specialist from the 611th Seaport Operations Company, 6th Trans. Bn., 7th Sust. Bde., describes how the cooperation of the Army and the brigade with the school helps impact the children.
"The military is concerned with the surrounding areas, not just concerned for the military but with civilians also. We're not Soldiers of fortune. We just don't deploy and go to war; we also come out and help the community," said Underwood.
With a plan of action come the players who put the plan in motion. In charge of the group of Soldiers who put the hours in at Achievable Dream is Sgt. Lynnetta Martin.
"I impact them as far as motivation. I motivate them in the mornings and they motivate them. I can feel the energy, that right there was something else, to know that you can influence a kid like that," said Martin.
One example on the balance of impact between Soldier and student was prevalent during a live-feed debate between a fourth- grade class at AD Elementary and R. O. Nelson Elementary School.
Spc. Kelsey Gibson of 6th Trans. Bn., 7th Sust. Bde. is one of the teachers assistants for the fourth-graders. She helped prepare these children who did spectacular that afternoon. She said she was proud of them because they work hard and really get a chance to learn what it means to finish strong unlike a regular school.
On the other side, one Soldier shares his experience of students inspiring him, Sgt. Charles Johnson, cargo specialist also with the 611th SOC.
"The kids, their energy. It reminds me of when I went to school. I never did anything like this and I think if I was able to take part, it would have been cooler. It gets me up for the rest of the day," Johnson said.
From the minute the elementary kids come through the door and are greeted with a 'good morning' until the last bell rings after hours for the after-school program, the Resolute warriors are there with a welcome hand and welcome hearts.
All students wear uniforms and learn the importance of an orderly appearance by Army volunteers who participate at the school each day.
Academics focus on bringing all students to their appropriate reading levels by third grade. Each Dreamer has a rigorous academic course schedule, while also attending classes in etiquette, SpeakingGREEN, peaceful conflict resolution and healthy living.