My Veterans Day started last Thursday when my wife said, "Hey....don't be mad, but I volunteered you to talk at Noah's school on Monday. Oh, and can you be in uniform?"
"You already confirm with the teacher?
"Yes, but its only for 15 minutes and its right before lunch."
"Sure"
Not only would I have to entertain a bunch of six-year-olds for 15 minutes. I would have to be in uniform. I would have to shave on a day off. As an active-duty guy, I make it a point not to shave on days off. When I first started AGR another Motor Sergeant said his hobby during time off was to grow a beard. I thought he was nuts, but being "New boots" (slang term for new guy in Army speak) I went along with it. Ten years later he was right. He was like Obi Won describing the force to Luke Skywalker on Tatooine. Now, I can't grow a beard to save my life but that's not the point.
Back to the story. I had a bigger problem. How do I entertain six-year-olds? My instructor background consisted of calling my students mouth breathers turn a wrench, so that doesn't help.
After thinking it over. I had an idea.
I don't have to entertain them.
I just need to distract them.
Genius.
I decided to use my 3D printer and print off a bunch of stuff for them to play with. I found a working tank, a bunch of Army guys, grenade and went to work printing them off. I also found a toy gator to print as well (The school mascot is the gators).
I packed them up along with my Drill Sergeant campaign hat, ACH and hoped for the best.
Noah opened the door, and his face lit up, "Hi daddy!"
Ok, off to a good start
I introduced myself and told the kids I am in the Army and that today is Veterans Day. The kids seemed generally interested in seeing an actual Solider. That lasted two seconds before I could see them getting bored.
Time to bust out show and tell.
I told them I have some gifts. I passed around the campaign hat, the ACH then busted out the 3D prints. They loved them. They played with the tank, and the Army guys and my various hats. Before I knew it, it was lunch time for the kids.
Whew! I made it through
I stayed for lunch with both of the boys. Each kid brought one of their friends over to hang out during lunch. We talked, laughed (I even told a few dad jokes). On the way out the kids saluted me on the way out and waved. It was a cool feeling.
For something that I initially did not want to do. It ended up being a cool event.