KEARNEYSVILLE — The U.S. Coast Guard C5ISC Partnership in Education (PIE) program hosted a touch-the-track event Wednesday for fifth-grade classes and JROTC students from across the region.
They gathered at the Coast Guard C5ISC Data Center where students were able to see a variety of career vehicles up close.
This is the first time the Coast Guard has hosted this event. The event included the Shepherdstown Fire Department, Viking Tree Service and many other organizations.
Lt. Kathryn Rubio helped plan and put together the event for the students.
“I'm a big supporter of public service,” Rubio said. “They are so important to the community. Through this event, students can learn about the opportunities that are available to them. Service jobs will never go away, so we show them what's out there. This gives us more ideas about what we can do in the future.”
Rubio is part of the PIE program, which helps Coast Guard members volunteer in local schools through reading and mentoring programs. Students were able to interact with and learn about a variety of vocational vehicles, including boats, military trucks, and even helicopters.
“Since I've been here, I've met people who don't even know the Coast Guard is a military branch,” Rubio said. “Giving students opportunities is important to developing their future and becoming contributing citizens to society.”
JROTC students from both Berkeley and Jefferson counties came to meet with professionals and learn more about their activities. Rubio also worked with Blue Ridge Elementary School teacher Jessica Shegogue to get fifth graders to come to the event.
“We've wanted to do something like this at our school for a while, but when this opportunity came along, we realized we could do even more by doing it here at the Coast Guard. '' said Shegogue. “We are all really excited to have this opportunity.”
Erik Berndt is a military veteran who owns Viking Tree Service. Mr. Berndt started his business after purchasing a wood stove for his home. He looked for a place to get firewood and realized that he could make a profit by cutting down trees.
Through his connections in the Coast Guard, he was invited to bring in a truck that could take down trees without putting too much stress on staff.
“This event helps keep us informed and lets students know what they can do in the future,” Berndt said.
The event was a great success with over 350 students participating. Coast Guard C5ISC hopes to host more events like this in the future.
