JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS Va. –
Members from the 733rd Mission Support Group command team met with leaders from a local school to discuss their ongoing volunteering relationship in Newport News, Virginia, Jan. 29, 2015.
More than 20 years ago, Fort Eustis leadership partnered with the Achievable Dream Academy Elementary School, primarily working with what is now the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) to allow U.S. Army Soldiers to volunteer their time with the students and teachers on a daily basis.
"We are looking to reestablish a better connection between the school and Fort Eustis," Col. William Galbraith, 733rd MSG commander. "We want to expand the connection from just one brigade to the entire installation."
According to the school's website, the academy's student body consists of students who are at risk of failure due to socioeconomic factors, and the school gives them a chance to succeed through their unique academic environment.
While touring the school the command team gained the understanding that Soldiers will be assigned a class once completing training and will assist teachers for a few hours including after-school clubs and activities. At the start of each morning, Soldiers will also perform uniform inspection on the students' uniforms, teaching them the importance of maintaining a professional appearance.
"We assist within the classrooms," said Sgt. Quante Carter, 384th Movement Control Team, 53rd Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary). "The students love it when we are there, and they are always asking us different questions."
While at the school, the team took a tour and observed the Soldiers in action.
"This gets our Soldiers out in the community," said Galbraith. "It is a way for us to continue to bridge the gap between the post and the community."
In the end, the team and the school leaders have decided to work on a more concrete agreement on how they will continue their relationship, with a plan to expand it for more Service members to have the opportunity to help the school.
"In my vision for continuing, school and Fort Eustis leadership will sign an agreement," said Galbraith. "We want to make sure we are sending out quality and able bodied Soldiers to volunteer at the school."