An idea from University Heights Academy teacher Sherry McGowan — and its implementation through the efforts of Campbell Strong Defense Alliance President/CEO and Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Kelli Pendleton — might become a new tradition for the school.
Friday morning, UHA’s campus and classrooms were filled with specific representatives from Fort Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) — the “No Slack” 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, which garnered its moniker after seven consecutive years of service without relief in the Vietnam War.
Pendleton said it was all in celebration of the 101st day of school — and the first of its kind for both UHA and “No Slack.” As conversations between McGowan and Pendleton developed, so too did the chance for this experience go from concept to reality.
Following a short assembly, students broke into age groups and visited seven stations, including an obstacle course, a breakdown of MREs, a walkthrough of both a medical vehicle and Humvee, storytime with an officer, and more.
McGowan noted while it is typical to celebrate 100 days of school as a landmark achievement with younger students, bringing in the 101st Airborne for all age groups brought some excitement to the day — particularly because the last two years have been spent mostly with a nose in a book or a computer screen at home due to COVID-19.
Students even got to “dress the part” in their own way, wearing camouflage items to school. And Pendleton said the plan expanded from a Pre-K through fifth grade presentation, to basically everyone on campus who wanted to participate.
The plan now, Pendleton said, is to continue this partnership — and perhaps expand it to other schools in the area interested in the military programming.
For more information about “No Slack,” visit 327thinfantryregimentassociation.com.
