FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — With students set to return to school, III Armored Corps invited the St. Stephens Episcopal School football team to spend the day with their Soldiers. On August 13, 2024, students were given a tour of the entire Army base, the opportunity to speak with several military leaders, learn about U.S. Army training and more at Fort Cavazos, Texas.

This back-to-school season, the Soldiers here at Fort Cavazos partnered with St. Stephens Episcopal School to give their football team the opportunity to experience what the Army has to offer after high school. During the day-long tour, the students were able to speak with U.S. Army leaders about their experiences and how the Army has benefited them and their careers.

“Today I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion and speak to high school students about leadership, teamwork, camaraderie and my experiences in the Army,” said Sergeant Major Kresassidy McKinney, III Armored Corps culinary director. “I think this is important because it gives students an overview of the different approaches one can take throughout their career and education and prepares them for the challenges they may face as they grow up.”

Spc. Brandon Davis of the 1st Cavalry Division, Horse Detachment, explains that this is not only a great opportunity for the high school students, but also for the Soldiers here at Fort Cavazos.

“The students’ visit to the horse department was also a great opportunity for us soldiers. It allowed us to inform the community about our work here and improve public relations,” said Spc. Davis, chief of the supply department of the 1st Cavalry Division.
“Today we were able to support the Army’s recruiting efforts and make a lasting impact on the next generation of Soldiers.”

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is a private co-educational preparatory and boarding day school in Austin, Texas. Fort Cavazos, just under 60 miles from the facility, still welcomes the school as part of the surrounding community. After the tour, students expressed their satisfaction with their experience and found the visit to Fort Cavazos really enjoyable. One of the St. Stephens students said, “It was cool to learn so much about the Army and how the military works.” “I hope you all do this again next year.”

Overall, this was a great opportunity for III Corps and Fort Cavazos to engage with the local community, but more importantly, show the next generation what it means to serve in the military and the U.S. Army. (US Army article by Sergeant Kyler Hembree)