A scramble through the course
<p>First grader Aiden Rich maneuvers his way through the obstacle course, which the National Guard set up at the Plains High School on Wednesday, April 10.</p>
PLAINS – The National Guard came to Plains High School on Wednesday donning an obstacle course for the Kindergarten through 12 grade students.
According to Sergeant First Class Tim Feisthamel, the National Guard brings in an obstacle course every year.
This gives the younger students an opportunity to bring something new and exciting to gym class, while it also doubles as passive recruiting for the older kids.
“If someone has questions they can ask us about it,” said SFC Feisthamel.
The National Guard travels all over the state of Montana setting up interactive activities for kids.
“We do it every year. We’re hitting all but about 25 high schools in the state,” said Feisthamel explaining they hit every high school in the state every other year.
This year, the Plains High School was the only school the National Guard went to in Sanders County.
Along with traveling to local high schools throughout the state, the National Guard also has a presence at the Sanders County Fair, state wrestling and basketball tournaments as well as state track meets.
“We just travel out and try to get leads for the local recruiters,” explained Feisthamel. “And these kids just so happen to get a big bonus out of it,” he said, pointing out the fun the younger students were having on the obstacle course.
According to Feisthamel, the National Guard brings three different obstacle courses to the local schools. Along with that, they have a jousting ring, a rock climbing wall and paintball courses they set up at other events outside of the high schools.
The National Guard recruits a lot of members from Sanders County, although Feisthamel explained it is not as much as from the east side of the state.
“The kids that usually join the National Guard are the ones that are farmers, ranchers, local family owned businesses where they are going to take off to college but they’re going to come back to the local community and take over mom’s and dad’s business,” said Feisthamel.
“It’s perfect for them. It’s part time, they can do both and get a retirement out of us,” said Feisthamel explaining the National Guard will also pay for their college, allowing those interested an opportunity to continue their career with the National Guard or move on into a different direction later on.
“This is a great way to serve and go to college at the same time,” said Feisthamel.