Last modified Wed., November 12, 2008 - 03:48 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 13, 2008

Elementary students honor base Sailors

By QM2 Nicole Soto, Assistant Editor

YN2 Carlos Agosto-Baez of NAS Jacksonville tells 8-year-old Lane Hofstad about his ribbons during a Nov. 7 visit to Crystal Springs Elementary School, where he took part in the annual Veterans Day program. Photos by QM2 Nicole Soto

How big is an aircraft carrier? How much does it weigh? How many people can it hold? Does the ship grow its own food? These are just some of the questions Crystal Springs Elementary School students had for Sailors from NAS Jacksonville during their Nov. 7 Veterans Day program.

"This is the eighth year of the Crystal Springs Elementary School Veterans Day Ceremony. We feel that it is so important for our students to learn about this holiday from the some of the military people we are honoring," said program coordinator Kim Tomlinson, who has worked at the school for 22 years.

The day started with a program by the students to honor the veterans in attendance, which included the volunteers from NAS Jax, military family members of the students and several veterans of past wars, including World War II and Vietnam.

Kindergarten students gather around IT1 Anjanette Huiel of HS-5 to learn about her uniform and her job in the Navy.

When the program concluded and the students went back to class, the Sailors went individually to each class and talked about military life. YN2 Carlos Agosto-Baez of NAS Jacksonville Command Master Chief's office said, "It is such an honor to be here. I really enjoy being able to mentor our younger generation."

Three other Sailors - IT1 Anjanette Huiel, AE1 Shawn Diggs and AZ1 Dominick Camarena - all of HS-5, said they were enthusiastic about the program. Camarena added, "I think it is very important for Sailors of NAS Jacksonville to get involved in the local community. We all have the responsibility and privilege to improve the quality of life around us."

Fifth-grader Melizza Black enjoyed the program, "It's so cool. I really like their uniforms."

Crystal Springs Principal Jacqueline Davis said, "It is not only great for the students to learn about Veterans Day, but they also learn from such good and honorable role models."

AE1 Shawn Diggs of HS-5 shows Gwen Davenport (8) how to salute while Ronald Pelkey (7) looks on.