Return to Pointer View home page September 24,  2004

Cadets share day with community members

Story  by Cadet 1st Class David T. Shams
and Leslie Gordnier,  PAO

U.S. Military Academy cadets from companies A, F and H helped community members Saturday sample a bit of the “West Point experience.”

The cadets set up stations throughout the cadet area and more than 70 civilians spent the morning learning about everything from first aid to weapons assembly.

Guests also donned Kevlar helmets and cadets escorted them around post in a military Humvee, much to the delight of the youngest attendees.

“That ride was the longest I’ve ever had to wear a helmet,” one youngster from New Windsor said. “Can I do it again right now?”

Weapons displays and camo face-painting were followed by some fun sporting games like Frisbee. Cadet volunteers then gathered everyone up for a barbecue (prepared by the cadets) and marched them up to Michie Stadium for the afternoon football game against Louisville.

The cadets all agreed that this event was a worthwhile and successful event.

“It was truly a fitting way to come together with members of the community and remember the third anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th,” one cadet said.

Cadet 4th Class Julie Moles applies camouflage Sept. 11 to New Windsor resident Trevor Gordnier. Cadets from Company F1 demonstrate how to field strip a SAW. Cadets also hosted a BBQ and escorted participants to the football game. The cadets set up stations in the cadet area and invited the public to come and take part in various displays and demonstrations as part of a community service project. The intent of the project was to give the community members a change to experience what cadet life is like. It was also intended as a tribute to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.