JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Soldiers and civilians from the 187th Medical Battalion reaffirmed their commitment to Briscoe Elementary School by signing their Adopt-A-School charter before handing out school supplies to students and their families on Aug. 9.
Lt. Col. Kayla Ramotar, 187th Medical Battalion commander, reaffirmed her unit’s dedication to the program by signing the Adopt-a-School charter with school principal Jennifer Emerson.
This was the first time Ramotar participated in the event since having assumed command of the battalion.
“I’m super excited for this opportunity and glad that our organization can support the Adopt-a-School program,” she said. “This is just one event and I’m excited about all our future events.”
The 187th Medical Battalion has participated in the Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School program for more than nine years by sponsoring supply drives, holiday gift donations and sports days. They also mentor students by visiting the school throughout the school year.
The soldiers of the 187th Medical Battalion also serve as examples of excellence for the students.
“It’s great to see how the Army as a community reaches out to other communities to help their children,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Yoon, 187th Medical Battalion chaplain. “When we come out to show our care for the community, I’m sure a lot of young people will remember us when they grow up. This will stick with them forever. It’s always a blessing to be part of this.”
Marin Beliz, a parent of a Briscoe fourth-grade student, reflected on what this donation drive means to him as a parent.
“I love it, it’s beautiful. It’s amazing to see the soldiers,” Beliz said. “I came to Briscoe as a child and now my son is coming here. We didn’t have anything like when I was little.”
The battalion donated much-needed supplies to almost 200 students and their families. Briscoe Elementary is located on South Flores Street, south of downtown San Antonio, in an economically challenged area with a median income well below other parts of Bexar County, Texas.
More than a third of the students enrolled in Briscoe received donated supplies, making a real difference to their families and the teachers and staff of the school who routinely buy supplies from their own pockets.
One of four battalions under the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, 32nd Medical Brigade, the 187th Medical Battalion provides mission command, administrative, training, and logistical support to safely and effectively train, educate and inspire Soldiers and leaders throughout the continuum of professional development to build agile and adaptive healthcare leaders in support of Army Medicine and the Army.