2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs Office
VILSECK, Germany – The children of the Grafenwoehr Child Development Center received a special treat Friday. Troopers from 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment took time out of their busy schedule to stop by and share with the kids what it is like to be a Soldier.
The Soldiers brought along a variety of tools used by Infantrymen such as night vision goggles as well as a Stryker vehicle for the kids to get a closer look and climb inside.
“We were asked by the CDC to come out and show the kids our equipment so they can get a better idea of what it is we do as a career infantryman,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Torrescano. “The overall intent is to give the kids a better understanding so when they see it on TV it isn’t so scary.”
Along with the Stryker, Troopers brought along several pairs of night vision goggles and binoculars for the children to try on and operate. The students who ranged in ages from infants to five-years old donned the Soldiers helmets and talked to each other via the Stryker communication system.
Two Dragoon Troopers also took the time to sit down with the children and read a story. According to Staff. Sgt. Steven Cruz this was a great learning experience for the Soldiers as well as their young audience.
“We like to have our young Soldiers do these kinds of events,” Cruz said. “It really is a character builder.”
Torrescano, himself a father of two girls, claims this kind of interaction is crucial to healthy overall childhood development.
“This gives them a better understanding of what Daddy does for a living,” Torrescano said. “They hear something on television and it isn’t quite so scary.”
“Events like this helps kids develop a better understanding of why Daddy has to go away for six to 12 months,” he said. “That way they have some idea of what he is doing.”
Following the event, each child received a 2SCR patch, chem-light and several Stryker pictures to color.
