Celebrate Our Heroes – Fort Leavenworth

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When thinking of November we first think of Thanksgiving and it being National Breast Cancer Awareness month. However, for many, their is one day that remains quite special to those of us that have had friends and family members give their lives so we may enjoy life, freedom, and ability to make our own decisions. The folks responsible for providing us such an opportunity are our military veterans and those currently serving our country. In the spirit of celebration members of the Kansas Discovery Education Leadership Council consisting of Melinda Tilley, Chelsea Whisnett, and Dean Mantz met with educators from ten different school districts across northeastern Kansas at Bradley Elementary School on the grounds of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Scene of Fort Leavenworth, KS

Photo provided by Fort Leavenworth via Flickr

Those participating participated in two of three session possibilities. Chelsea Whisnatt led a general overview and STAR Educator of Discovery Education while Melinda Tilley provided training on using Discovery Education services with a variety of Web 2.0 tools. The third session topic was a special opportunity. Those attending this session were given time to interview US Army and Air Force Majors. These Majors are stationed at Fort Leavenworth as they participate in the Officers Academy for one year.  Upon completion of the interview participants were introduced to Jay Cut for creating videos. This free site allows for the creation of videos with text, still image, audio, webcam, and green screen options. Here is a video created by Kristi Altenburg of Jackson Heights using JayCut featuring her experience at Fort Leavenworth.

As the day reached it’s mid-point everyone enjoyed lunch from Mr. Goodcents.  Tell you what, those sandwiches hit the spot as did the freshly baked cookies.  With our stomachs full it was time to work lunch off by walking around and listening to each of the audio tour stops on the Wayside Tour of Fort Leavenworth. The starting point of the tour is the Frontier Army Museum.  Visitors will experience how the military developed Fort Leavenworth from an obscure outpost to it’s current day role as one of the United States Army leading officer facilities.  Some of the other sites included on the tour recognized the “Buffalo Soldiers” which were African-Americans soldiers who served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry, Army’s senior tactical school (CGSC), and the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.  The cemetery was one of the first national cemeteries established by Abraham Lincoln in 1862.
If you would like to learn more about Fort Leavenworth and the educational experiences available visit one of these resources:

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