“Tell me, I will forget. Show me, I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.” That is the philosophy of Baker Concrete, the hosts of the Southwest Ohio Construction Career Day Sept. 23-24, 2009 in Hamilton, Ohio. More than 2,300 students attended the two-day event.
The Southwest Ohio Construction Career Day is an opportunity for organizations and businesses to improve the image of the construction industry in the eyes of high school students. It is a hands-on event with the intent on focusing and exciting young people about construction and getting them to consider construction as a career choice.
This event was a perfect opportunity for the 216th Engineer Battalion to showcase opportunities within its organization. The 216th Soldiers, along with recruiters from Company A, Recruiting and Retention Command, demonstrated to students the construction capabilities of the 216th and its support functions, and explained the benefits of serving in the Ohio Army National Guard.
Under close supervision, students were given the opportunity to experience first hand what it’s like to operate bobcats and dozers, measure and cut lumber, run electrical conduit, bend metal piping, and ride in some of the Ohio Army National |
Guard’s finest equipment. The students visited various exhibits to hear about furthering their education and potential careers and gain general industry knowledge.
This is the second consecutive year the battalion has participated in the event. Other companies, colleges and organizations also offered information and opportunities to the students in attendance.
At the conclusion of both days, former Cincinnati Bengal and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Anthony Munoz, Capt. Dion Goins and Sgt. 1st Class Anthony McGraw, Soldiers from the 216th, addressed the students in the grandstand. They challenged the students to make good choices and get an education.
“I would like to thank the 216th Engineer Battalion for their participation in this year’s career day,” said Tonya Beesley, operations manager for Baker Concrete and event organizer. “I have had several great comments from attendees concerning your participation in the event. Your display area was outstanding.” |
