Soldier chats with students while deployed in Afghanistan

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) -  A group of ninth graders at Spanish Fort High School got a real treat Monday thanks to technology and a dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer.  They got to share some “FaceTime” with a soldier deployed in Afghanistan. 

Although they were half a world apart, the visit not only enlightened the students, but also brightened the day for one of our American heroes.

Captain William Hurd spoke to the students.  Hurd has been a volunteer with Junior Achievement for several years and classroom visits with students are not unusual.  What made today’s visit extra special is that thanks to FaceTime, he was able to keep his commitment to the class and answer questions.

“It was really cool because I’ve never talked to anyone overseas or in the Army, so it was a very good experience being able to talk to somebody that’s been in the war and that’s fighting for our country,” said Jordan Riekhof who really enjoyed the visit.

“The technology that we use today to be able to do that…FaceTiming him from all the way across the world is just amazing,” said fellow student, Taylor Mitchel.

Junior Achievement curriculum focuses on career readiness and instructor Dianne Bernasconi believes that interactions like this one will help teach her students “success skills” that will help them through life.  Monday’s visit wasn’t just uplifting for her students.  She’s sure it was special for Captain Hurd as well.

“Captain Hurd really believes in the Junior Achievement message and really believes in keeping the youth engaged and for him this was a way of connecting back to home,” Bernasconi said.  “It brought a little normalcy to his day because he would normally be here with me.”

Hurd’s conversation with the class varied from how the food is to the difficulty being away from family during the holidays.  At one point he walked around with his computer and showed the students the Christmas tree they had on base and all of the cards and gifts that had been sent.

“Actually on the twenty first we’re going to try and have our little Christmas party…a little get together with our company…try to have a little dinner…just kind of relax, tell jokes and have a good time,” Hurd told the class.

Hurd’s message to the class went without saying.  The talk was of the holidays and Army life, but the real message was one of commitment and staying focused.  Just the fact that he took the time to Face Time the students was enough to get the message through.

“He just has a positive attitude about everything he does and that’s why he doesn’t get drug down by everything,” remarked student, Simon Martin.  “He just has a very positive attitude.”

Read more about the Junior Achievement organization on their website.

Captain William Hurd is with the 1 ^st Battalion, 167 ^th Infantry and has been volunteering with Junior Achievement for six years.  He says he looks forward to being home this time next year to celebrate the holidays in the company of friends and family.

Junior Achievement is always looking for volunteers from all walks of life to make a difference in the lives of our youth.  In Mobile, their office can be contacted at (251) 340-8404 or by email at cdevoe@jaogb.org ..