SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
A group of Soldiers and Sailors joined Colonial Hills Elementary School students at their Heroes for Health Day Feb. 28.
Service members from Brooke Army Medical Center and the Medical Education and Training Campus from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston were organized by 1st Sgt. Julie Morris, Army Medical Department Center and School, Headquarters Support Company, to participate at the school’s health event.
Colonial Hill’s physical education coach Terri Pitts organized the event and invited members of the San Antonio military community to come speak with the students.
“This is the second year the military has been involved in our school,” Pitts said. “The military is enthusiastic, they are great role models for our kids, plus our kids are more active when they are here. We want to invite the military to future events.”
Pitts also has a personal connection to the military. Her son is an aerospace medic in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany.
“I appreciate what the military does for the community and I’m happy the Soldiers and Sailors came out today,” she added.
During the event, Soldiers and Sailors talked with second- and third-grade students on proper nutrition and leading a healthy lifestyle then led the students in a variety of physical activities.
When asked what she enjoyed most about the event, Morris said the best part of the event was talking with the kids and hearing their stories, not just the physical challenges and exercises.
“Today was awesome and so much fun. There was so much energy from the kids and cadre,” Morris said. “I think the students learned something about the military and the importance of staying physically fit and getting proper nutrition. Not just as little kids, but as adults.”
Morris also said she thought it was important to attend the event and let community know that they are willing to take a break from the mission to support a good cause.