(September 30, 2008)—Amongst teammates yelling advice and crowds screaming cheers students and teachers from the Temple High School Accelerated Academy attempted to maneuver an obstacle course during their visit to Fort Hood’s Leadership Reaction Course Friday.

Soldiers from the 61st Multi-Functional Medical Battalion were on hand for support and guidance as the students learned to reason and work together to accomplish their set tasks with the equipment provided.

“The first thing on our mind was safety for the students during the obstacle course,” said Staff Sgt. Raymond Ross, who was the main planner for the event. “Since they are high school kids and not Soldiers we want to take extra precautions for their protection.”

While safety was a major priority with the soldiers of the 61st MMB, Staff Sgt. Ross also advised his soldiers to remember they were ambassadors for the U.S. Army.

“[Soldiers] have to watch the way we speak to [the students]. We can’t use too many acronyms and abbreviations…and the way we carry ourselves is important,” said the Staff Sergeant.

When the students arrived at the obstacle course they were briefed by Ross then separated into teams, each team with two Soldiers.

“Each group is given a situation and each situation has certain tools such as rope, wooden planks, even ladders, they can use to negotiate the obstacles,” said Ross. “The course is not easy; it really makes the students think.”

While the students had fun during the course, they further developed leadership skills without even realizing it. Despite their valiant efforts, a few students still took the plunge into the water surrounding the obstacles.

“I was scared and I didn’t know what to do at first, but I was proud that I wasn’t afraid to do it.” said Desiree Sauseda, a Temple High School senior, “All we need is teamwork to get it done.”

The school administrators worked with the 61st MMB to give the students the opportunity to excel.

“We want to instill the philosophy of leadership in our students,” said Rita Gillmeister, assistant principal, Temple High School Accelerated Academy.

Through the challenges the obstacle course presented the students learned teamwork and, perhaps, a little bit more about themselves.

“This course really requires critical thinking on the part of the students,” said Ross, “I hope the students learned leadership skills today that they can use out in the real world.”

Tony Hamilton and Jared Vasquez, students from the Temple High School Accelerated Academy, attempt to bridge over a pool, using an array of various boards during their school’s visit to Fort Hood’s Leadership Reaction Course September 26.

Desirae Sauseda, a student from the Temple High School Accelerated Academy, plunges into the water after failing to negotiate the high wire obstacle during her school’s visit to Fort Hood’s Leadership Reaction Course September 26.

Kastady Smith, a teacher from the Temple High School Accelerated Academy attempts to maneuver an obstacle during the school’s visit to Fort Hood’s Leadership Reaction Course September 26.

Kastady Smith, Rita Gillmeister, Alvin Smith, Angela Mowery, faculty members from the Temple High School Accelerated Academy cheer for their students during their visit to Fort Hood’s Leadership Reaction Course September 26.

Lisa Malcik, Quilla Lee, Delicia Soloid, Desirae Sauseda and Miriam Huerta, students from the Temple High School Accelerated Academy, attempt to bridge over a pool, using an array of various boards during their school’s visit to Fort Hood’s Leadership Reaction Course September 26.

(Pfc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs contributed to this story)