Ramstein Intermediate School hosts career day

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Senior Airman Lindy Pata, American Forces Network Kaiserslautern broadcaster, teaches children from Ramstein Intermediate School about her career April 28 on Ramstein.
Senior Airman Lindy Pata, American Forces Network Kaiserslautern broadcaster, teaches children from Ramstein Intermediate School about her career April 28 on Ramstein.

More than 100 Department of Defense personnel presented their careers to children April 28 at Ramstein Intermediate School as part of their annual Career Day.

The presenters came from all over the KMC to showcase the training they complete and how they actively perform their daily jobs. This was the second year for the event at RIS, and school officials were pleased with the results.

“It’s been great. The students are really enjoying their time experiencing different jobs that they never knew were around,” said Anne Hubbard, RIS counselor. “They are really excited by some of the props some of the presenters brought.”

RIS Career Day is one event that the school uses to educate children about what their parents do in the military and the types of careers available. The children had the opportunity to ride inside a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle and an armored sedan, listen to band members, learn about pest control and participate in many more activities.

“(The students) don’t all know the technical parts, and they don’t know the specifics of what their parents are doing,” Hubbard said. “This is a real eye-opener for some of the kids.”

While it was beneficial for the children, they were not the only ones to gain something that day.

“When I grew up, we never had career days like this,” said Senior Airman Ethan Harris, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron mechanic and volunteer. “I am glad to be a part of helping them learn more about specialties in the military and getting to show my job.”

Whether learning about the importance of MRAPs or learning about the variety of careers, the event organizers hope they can showcase something new and develop an appreciation for what the children’s parents may do.