FORT CARSON, Colo. –
Twenty-one education leaders from all across the country convened here last week for U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s annual National Educator Tour.
The tour, which was revived after a pause last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to give superintendents, state education leaders, and education-focused organizations a better understanding of the career opportunities and benefits of military service.
“When young men and women join it and they are exposed to the United States Army, they really learn to love it,” Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, USAREC commanding general, told reporters from Colorado Springs who were covering the tour. “Every day is challenging for us (in recruiting),” he said, indicating the importance of developing advocates in education who understand what the Army can offer and the importance of helping their students make an informed decision about their future.
During the jam-packed three-day tour, the group of educators met 4th Infantry Division Soldiers ranging from brand new privates all the way to the two-star general who leads the division. They saw a wide-range of military equipment, tested their skills in convoy and medical simulators, and toured Fort Carson’s Education Center and the Evans Army Community Hospital. They also were able to experience some of the Army’s elite outreach units, to include the World Class Athlete Program, the Golden Knights and the Army Marksmanship Unit.
“Hopefully I can take back what I am able to see here and share it with my students and encourage them,” said Patrick Richarson, who is the superintendent of Pulaski County Schools in Kentucky.