To assist the recruiting effort in south Texas, 11 educators, along with support personnel from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Antonio and Military Entrance Processing Station-San Antonio, visited several naval commands in support of an educator orientation visit (EOV), July 6-10.

The EOV is a Navy Recruiting Command program with a main focus of showing educators the various facets of the Navy and the many career paths available to students.

During the visit, the group boarded and received tours on three vessels: the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), a craft from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1, and a submarine.

According to Heather Fuss, a counselor from Marble Falls High School, prior to the EOV, she did not have any knowledge of the types of careers the Navy provides.

"Before, when students would talk to me about joining the military, all I could offer was encouragement because my knowledge was so vague," she said. "But now I can actually talk to them about their choices, and maybe even explain issues they are uncertain about."

Debbie Bleiker, a registrar from Rockport-Fulton High School, whose son enlisted into the Navy nuclear program, said, "Visiting some of the Navy units firsthand and as a Navy mom, I feel that I can now share my experience to better help students understand if they choose to enter military service as an avenue for success."

The educator added that the EOV was an invaluable experience that she is sure will benefit her students for years to come.

"Seeing the Sailors put their hearts into their jobs and processing the answers to all of the questions that we had, was incredible," Bleiker said. "Most of them had several years of experience and had shared stories from their deployments."

Dr. Douglas Martin, principal of Quest High School, echoed Bleiker remarks.

"While all the experiences were amazing, I would have to say the question and answer portion of each tour and meeting all the other participants, would have to be my greatest highlights of the visit," he said. "Seeing the young men and women who serve has swelled my pride and confidence in the future of our great nation."

Additionally, the group visited Navy Medical Center San Diego, Naval Base San Diego, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, [Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL] Training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, the Pacific Beacon Navy Billeting, and the Navy Exchange.

They also toured a ship simulator and participated in a landing aircraft air-cushion simulator exercise.

Participants showed much interest in learning more about the Navy and to ensure that Navy career information is available in their schools.

For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visit www.navy.mil