thedrifter
02-01-07, 06:37 AM
Trenton youth learn how to be Marines
February 01,2007
KATIE MARSHALL
STAFF WRITER
TRENTON - Kids in Jones County were given first hand experience to military life.
"I want to join the military because it's cool and you help people feel safe," said Collin Banks, a 6-year-old Trenton Elementary School student.
Marines from Camp Lejeune's 5th Battalion 10th Marine Regiment raided Jones County for civil affairs training but took time out to visit with students at Trenton Elementary and Jones Middle schools on Wednesday.
The group is anticipating deployment to Iraq in March.
"We want to associate good things with the military," said Staff Sgt. Scott Edwards. "We want to make a positive influence."
The best part about Banks' day was shooting the machine gun, which had no ammunition in it.
"This can blow something up," he said.
Banks came to school prepared for the event by wearing an Air Force uniform.
Shkera Moore, 6, enjoyed climbing into the vehicles and beeping the horns.
"They let us try everything," she said.
School Principal Margaret Williams was ecstatic about the Marines visiting the school.
"I love for the kids to know what's out there," she said.
For some of the older kids, joining the military became something to think about when they got older.
"They are giving a lot of people thoughts about joining the army," said Chris Mattocks, 15, and a student at Jones Middle School.
Mattocks has always thought about joining the military, but after Wednesday, his decision seemed to lean more towards making the military a career choice.
Banks wants to follow his grandfather's footsteps.
Edwards said small towns like the ones in Jones County could be similar to ones in Iraq.
More than 200 Marines are traveling about Trenton, Maysville and Pollocksville talking with government officials and visiting schools.
"We need to help the town and know where to start," he said. "That's a step towards self governance and that's what we'll do in Iraq."
Ellie
February 01,2007
KATIE MARSHALL
STAFF WRITER
TRENTON - Kids in Jones County were given first hand experience to military life.
"I want to join the military because it's cool and you help people feel safe," said Collin Banks, a 6-year-old Trenton Elementary School student.
Marines from Camp Lejeune's 5th Battalion 10th Marine Regiment raided Jones County for civil affairs training but took time out to visit with students at Trenton Elementary and Jones Middle schools on Wednesday.
The group is anticipating deployment to Iraq in March.
"We want to associate good things with the military," said Staff Sgt. Scott Edwards. "We want to make a positive influence."
The best part about Banks' day was shooting the machine gun, which had no ammunition in it.
"This can blow something up," he said.
Banks came to school prepared for the event by wearing an Air Force uniform.
Shkera Moore, 6, enjoyed climbing into the vehicles and beeping the horns.
"They let us try everything," she said.
School Principal Margaret Williams was ecstatic about the Marines visiting the school.
"I love for the kids to know what's out there," she said.
For some of the older kids, joining the military became something to think about when they got older.
"They are giving a lot of people thoughts about joining the army," said Chris Mattocks, 15, and a student at Jones Middle School.
Mattocks has always thought about joining the military, but after Wednesday, his decision seemed to lean more towards making the military a career choice.
Banks wants to follow his grandfather's footsteps.
Edwards said small towns like the ones in Jones County could be similar to ones in Iraq.
More than 200 Marines are traveling about Trenton, Maysville and Pollocksville talking with government officials and visiting schools.
"We need to help the town and know where to start," he said. "That's a step towards self governance and that's what we'll do in Iraq."
Ellie