thedrifter
02-01-07, 06:33 AM
Marines invade middle school
By Jeff Shaffer, Staff writer
MILTON — Students at the Milton Middle School were standing — or just sitting — at attention when seven Marines visited them on Tuesday.
Once again this year, soldiers from the Wyoming Valley Reserve Station were invited to the school to expose eighth-graders to aspects of military life.
Specifically, Jim Hostetter’s science classes were shown how a FRH (flameless ration heater) is used. When mixed with water, it creates a fast exothermic reaction to warm up food from MREs in seconds. As it can be imagined, soldiers are often too busy to warm up their food conventionally.
Students also had a chance to taste the food items compiled into an MRE. One Marine told the students that a solider may turn it into a meal or just have it as something to snack on throughout the day.
Also, some students tried on and passed around armor and equipment a solider would use in the field. They tried on helmets, gas masks and armored vests.
The eighth-graders were split into two groups. While half was inside checking out the equipment and having a science lesson, the other half was outside in front of the school amazed by the Humvee and large military truck that had pulled up.
The students had fun climbing around on the heavy-duty vehicles and honking the horn from time to time.
“They just like to see what we do,” said Cpl. Scott Cunningham.
There’s a trend when it comes to the Marines visiting the school — it’s a big hit.
Hostetter said the students get very motivated about learning when the soldiers stop by.
“It also exposes them to career choices,” he said.
Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com
Ellie
By Jeff Shaffer, Staff writer
MILTON — Students at the Milton Middle School were standing — or just sitting — at attention when seven Marines visited them on Tuesday.
Once again this year, soldiers from the Wyoming Valley Reserve Station were invited to the school to expose eighth-graders to aspects of military life.
Specifically, Jim Hostetter’s science classes were shown how a FRH (flameless ration heater) is used. When mixed with water, it creates a fast exothermic reaction to warm up food from MREs in seconds. As it can be imagined, soldiers are often too busy to warm up their food conventionally.
Students also had a chance to taste the food items compiled into an MRE. One Marine told the students that a solider may turn it into a meal or just have it as something to snack on throughout the day.
Also, some students tried on and passed around armor and equipment a solider would use in the field. They tried on helmets, gas masks and armored vests.
The eighth-graders were split into two groups. While half was inside checking out the equipment and having a science lesson, the other half was outside in front of the school amazed by the Humvee and large military truck that had pulled up.
The students had fun climbing around on the heavy-duty vehicles and honking the horn from time to time.
“They just like to see what we do,” said Cpl. Scott Cunningham.
There’s a trend when it comes to the Marines visiting the school — it’s a big hit.
Hostetter said the students get very motivated about learning when the soldiers stop by.
“It also exposes them to career choices,” he said.
Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com
Ellie