Louisiana Guardsmen discuss their jobs with students

By Sgt. Michael L. Owens
Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS – Members of the Louisiana National Guard participated in a career day held at Henry C. Schaumburg Math and Science School in eastern New Orleans, April 21.

The Guardsmen, along with citizens from other professions, went from classroom to classroom and talked with students about what the National Guard is all about.

“It was a great feeling to know that I probably made a difference in one of these students lives today,” said Sgt. Tomasina M. Young of the LANGs personnel section.

The students were very knowledgeable on events and asked the Soldiers about the different missions they were involved in.

“I was shocked at how they were so in tune with the different events around the world,” said Young.  “They were asking if I was on duty during the oil spill and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  It really made me feel needed because these young students know that we are here to protect them.”

As the Soldiers walked in each classroom, students from kindergarten to eighth grade became very excited to get a chance to talk to a real-life Soldier.

“It was really cool to see the Soldiers in their Army gear,” said five-year-old Tyler.  “One day I hope to join the Army.”

“The kids were excited to see us, and it made me really proud to be a Soldier,” said Spc. Amber T. Prestenbach of the LANGs personnel section.  “They were walking up to us, shaking our hands and saluting; its good to see how these kids look up to us.”

NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana National Guardsmen 1st Lt. Jerome K. Stewart and Sgt. Tomasina M. Young, both assigned to the LANGs personnel section, stand with kindergartners during a career day at Henry C. Schaumburg Math and Science School in eastern New Orleans, April 21, 2011.  (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Michael L. Owens, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office/Released)