Cadre demonstrates Soldiering skills to students           Spc. Joshua Davis 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

Students from Dent Middle School recently learned that Soldiers are people, too. About a dozen permanent-party Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment participated in the school’s Multicultural Diversity Awareness Day March 20 with static displays and demonstrations. “It was a great way to teach the students about some of the Army’s basic Soldiering skills,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Guenter Nyanankpe, the battalion’s chaplain. “We were able to give a small glimpse to these students about what the Army is all about.” The Soldiers set up five stations for the students. They included weapons, grenades, tactical vehicles, NBC gear and protective gear. Gary Randall, Dent principal, said that he knows the Soldiers at Fort Jackson do more than protect and serve. “It’s great to have the Soldiers reinforce both positive male and female role models for our children,” Randall said. “There is a long-standing tradition between this school and Fort Jackson that serves a real purpose.” Several teachers were overheard thanking Soldiers for being at the event. “The students had a good time interfacing with the Soldiers of 1-34, and they really learned something as well,” said Kelly Brown, Advancement Via Individual Determination teacher at Dent. “Diversity Awareness Day helps all types of people come together and better understand each other,” said Marc-James Redwine, eighth grader at Dent. “My dad is in the Army and it takes a lot of support from a Soldier’s family members to help make his or her assignment successful. “The cadre and drill sergeants from 1-34 were polite and the Soldiers enjoyed answering questions from the student body,” Marc-James said. “It’s more difficult to be a Soldier than most people think.” “The gear is so heavy,” said Nyjee Smith, 11, who tried on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical masks. “I got a chance to throw some (simulated) grenades and that was cool!” Nyanankpe said the Army displays received a great response from the students. “I think the students enjoyed learning about what Soldiers do every day,” Nyanankpe said. “We were excited to be a part of the school’s activities and to be able to share the Army story with so many.”