Schofield Soldiers Talk Army Facts To Boy Scout Council
BY STAFF SGT. CARLOS DAVIS
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Schofield Barracks reached out to area Boy Scouts May 9 to assist in the Scouts’ 104th annual Aloha Council at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Soldiers provided static displays of a Howitzer, camouflage nets and ammunition trucks, and then gave demonstrations on how to properly camouflage equipment and personnel from enemy detection.
Spc. Isaac Aiken (front), a cannon crew member, explains the different types of ammunition that can be fired by a Howitzer during the 104th Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council outing at Ala Moana Beach Park. PHOTO BY SGT. CARLOS DAVIS.
A discussion on equipment, such as body armor and crew drills, was followed by a question-and-answer session about life in the Army.
“By being out here, it allows the citizens of Hawaii to see firsthand what it is we do on an everyday basis,” said Spc. Isaac Aiken, a cannon crew member. “We are hoping to build a connection and bridge the gap between us by providing them with an understanding of what the military does.”
By bridging the gap between the U.S. military and local communities, the soldiers from the Warrior Brigade hope to change any misperceptions citizens might have about them.
“Being out here shows that there is more to the military than just the bad incidents that might have occurred in the past,” said Sgt. Mario Ayala. “These types of community events are a step in the right direction in repairing the relationships between the local communities and military.”
The participating Warrior Brigade soldiers received positive feedback from both kids and parents who attended the event.
“It is good for the public to see and interact with the military because I believe we have and need to continue to build on the relationship we share,” said Derek Uemura, an assistant pack leader. “(It’s) good exposure for the kids to see the military equipment, and it allows them to get to know … the soldiers.”
