JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Army Soldiers from Fort Eustis, Virginia, volunteered with local area schools for the 45th Annual George Green Field Day at Todd Stadium in Newport News, Virginia, April 25, 2016.
The annual field day is an opportunity for special needs children to participate in adaptive field sports. It was started by coach George Green in 1971, when his daughter, a child with Downs Syndrome, came home crying after feeling left out because her school's field day had no adaptations for children like her.
"Coach Green decided that needed to change," said Susan McAuliffe, the event organizer and lead for Newport News Public Schools Adopted and Individualized Physical Education Program. "So, he started a field day for children with disabilities that very year."
Today more than 32 schools participate in the event annually. This year, 18 Soldiers from Fort Eustis's 689th Rapid Port Opening Element volunteered as more than 600 students played through 40 various events.
"The RPOEs have volunteered for the Field Day at Todd Stadium for the past 5 years," said the unit's first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Michael Mckeller. "We are honored to be invited back every year. It's a great way to give back to the community while teaching Soldiers about public outreach and mentorship."
McAuliffe expressed her appreciation for volunteers like the Denbigh High School Army ROTC cadets and Fort Eustis Soldiers.
"It's an opportunity for students with special needs to feel included, encouraged and celebrated by everyone in the community," she said.
As the Soldiers and cadets helped the students run through various events including football tosses, potato sack races and more, they noticed smiles beam across the children's faces.
"Today was awesome," said Pfc. Kenneth Gaudelias, a cargo specialist with the 689th RPOE "It's great to make a difference. I got to serve kids that were having such a good time.
Gaudelias added that giving back and showing that they care about society is so important, stating it's not just about wars, we are here to help.