El Paso School Children Tour Fort Bliss

By Daniel Marin

EL PASO — Students from an El Paso elementary/middle school were honored for academic excellence by members of Fort Bliss’ 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 51st Air Defense Artillery division.

The recognition wasn’t for finishing boot camp, but rather for passing all of their classes and making it on the school’s honor roll.

All of the 250 kids from Macarthur elementary/middle got a private tour of Fort Bliss and a look at all the high-tech toys the soldiers our men and women use.

“I’ve seen tanks, there were so many and they were so interesting; the soldiers were so nice to us,” said 6th-grader Taylor Lauck. The kids were even given the chance to ride in the tanks, all helmets and smiles.

At several tent displays, students were shownhow night-vision technology worked and some to the resources soldiers use on the battlefield. With all there was to see, the students even got to experience ‘chow time’ for a soldier.

“These are the A-B kids who obviously going to be running the country at some point. We’d like them to have a good idea of whatour military is doing and have a positive experience with us,” said Lt. Christopher Marion.

Students said they have a new appreciation forthe men and women in the armed services.

“I saw girl soldiers which boosted my energy! You shouldn’t underestimate soldiers. They do a lot for us. Going over there takes guts,” Lauck added.