October 13, 2015 --
While many other Marines were preparing for an extended holiday weekend, two were preparing to depart Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany at the crack of dawn for Transportation Day at Worth County Primary School in Sylvester, Georgia, Oct. 9.
Sgt. Thomas Over, platoon sergeant, and Cpl. Devante Mimms, licensing noncommissioned officer, both with Logistics Support Division, volunteered to support the annual event by driving a high mobility multi-wheeled vehicle for the students to see and learn about.
“The Marines were very professional, did a great job of demonstrating their vehicle to the children and explaining how it was important to the military,” Patricia Welch, Transportation Day program coordinator, Worth County Primary School, said. “We had almost 500 students out here and they listened and let the children go through the vehicle from one side to the other and answered questions.”
Over said it was great seeing the children enjoy being in the HMMWV.
“They had a lot of questions and a lot of energy,” he said. “I love to spend time in the community with children because I do not have my own, yet. Being a role model to these kids is another big reason why I volunteer (for) these events.
“The staff was welcoming and professional,” Over continued. “It's great that they have this day for the kids to let loose and have fun with transportation equipment. It shows that they care about their learning environment and physical surroundings.”
Mimms noted “it was great to see so many little kids as we showed them our vehicle and the things we do with it in the military. Seeing their smiling faces and knowing we made their day was worth it.”
The interaction between the Marines and students was perfect, because the Marines conducted their demonstration at the students’ level and represented MCLB Albany well, Welch concluded.