KAPOLEI, Hawaii – Four Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, were recognized during the Joint Venture Education Forum at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center in Kapolei, Hawaii, Aug. 20, for their hard work, commitment and dedication working with Hawaii schools.

The JVEF is a cooperative venture between United States Pacific Command and the Hawaii Department of Education to promote interaction between the military and state educators. School partnerships are a part of this venture and is one way the U.S. Army interacts with the community.

“Being recognized for something that we enjoy doing is wonderful,” said Sgt. Bryan E. Shermerhorn, a native of Cohoes, New York, an infantryman assigned to 1st, Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT. “When we were asked to volunteer, we never thought about being awarded anything; we just wanted to be involved and give back to the community.”

Shermerhorn had the opportunity to work with high school cadets during the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Waianae Adventure Challenge (WAC) last April.

“Having the opportunity to work with children is something that I haven’t experienced before and it was an awarding experience,” he said.

Capt. Edson Batista, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, echoed Shermerhorn’s thoughts.

“Growing up and coming from a public school; I never had this chance or experienced a program like this,” said Batista, a communications officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-21 Infantry. “It’s nice to see what this island and the military are capable of doing together.”

Batista says the relationship between the community and military is a win, win for everyone who is involved.

Soldiers of 2SBCT are involved with 13 schools throughout Hawaii where they participate in reading programs, area beautification, and other activities.

“I just send out emails to the principal of the Waianae Intermediate and the Waianae High School,” he said. “We are always looking for new ways to continue our community outreach events; whether it’s starting a reading program, participating in career days or any other type of projects the schools may need help with.”