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Tropic Lightning -- 21 December 2000
 Photo(s) by Spc. Kara McCarthy Monique Lary, 7, a Honowai Elementary student, peers through the night sight of the Tubular Launcher Optical-Viewed Wire-guided missile, while Spc. Jason Dotson, HHC, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. explains how to use it.  Children from the YMCA's A-Plus After-School Program take turns looking through a mortar at the Schofield Barracks Tropic Lightning museum.  Ashlynn Maria, 7, tries to aim a M2-50 caliber machine gun. | Students explore Army life, equipment By Spc. Kara McCarthy "Look at that tank!" said Samantha Serague, 7, a Honowai Elementary student. "I want to test drive it," she added excitedly as she neared the vehicle. The Schofield Barrack's Tropic Lightning Museum hosted 135 children in the YMCA's A-Plus After-School Program Dec. 13, allowing students to meet the Soldiers who defend their country and enhance their knowledge of history. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry set up a static display of weapons and were waiting for the children, as they piled off the two buses. The infantrymen were ready to offer them some hands-on experience using the equipment that they train with daily. "This provides an excellent opportunity for the children to meet Soldiers up close and personal," said Adam Elia, Schofield Barracks museum technician. "And I think this will get the children to understand the military through the history of Schofield Barracks and the 25th Infantry Division, especially the long line of prestige and honor that has come from this division." Ashlynn Maria, 7, looked through the sight of the M2 50-caliber machine gun, while Shantell Segawa, 7, got down into the prone position and pretended to fire the M-24 sniper rifle. "This is good for the students to get to know what we do and the (type of equipment) we have," said Spc. Chris Rios, HHC, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. assistant gunner and armorer. "I think this is an excellent experience for the kids, and they treat us like we're all heroes." The students not only had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using military equipment, but they were also given a tour of the museum. The children really seemed to appreciate the museum and the opportunity to meet real-life Soldiers. Denise Pagadvan, 10, an A-plus student, said she liked the fact that she was able to visit the museum and see all the neat military equipment. She also said, "I want to join the military because you get to fight for your country, so that our country will be safe." Adam Cadiz, 6, had other motives. He said he wanted to be a Soldier because he'll be allowed to fight without getting into trouble. |
