Imagine a lively press conference involving a U.S. Congressman and a wide array of thoughtful questions, only imagine the members of the press are 8- to 11-year-olds, and you have set the scene for Representative Rob Wittman’s recent visit with third, fourth and fifth-graders in the Dahlgren School library.
Wittman, representing Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, stopped by Dahlgren School on March 3 to spend time with the students as part of a Dr. Seuss Birthday event, where he shared the stage with base military leaders to read to the students. However, the students had a great many questions for which they wanted answers; by the end of the event, the group only read one title.
Before his animated reading of one of Seuss’s books, “Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!” about a school with well-loved albeit eccentric educators, Wittman spent about half an hour in a question and answer period with the youngsters, who grilled him on topics like homelessness, immigration, standardized testing, endangered species, veteran’s health care, potential military actions and the environment.
Prior to the congressman’s arrival, Betty Reilly, the third and fourth grade teacher, prepared the children for the visit with advice that was suitable both for the day and for life in general. She explained that it is not only important to ask thoughtful questions, but also to ensure that the way the question is asked does not affect how it is received.
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it,” Reilly advised.
The children clearly took the lesson to heart and almost every student present would eventually raise their hand to query the congressman on topics that were important to them.
Wittman took the floor to explain to the children more about who he represents and where he works in Congress. He detailed what the House does in Congress, including work on the national budget and the upcoming Department of Defense Appropriations Bill in the following week.
“Our Department of Defense Schools are extraordinarily important; it’s one of those things I’ve been a true proponent of. This is great opportunity for you and we want to make sure those things continue,” Wittman said.
Wittman continued to share that he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Sub-Committee that oversees all operations of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and many Air Force operations.
Wittman explained to the children that the current number of Navy ships stands at 274 and that the goal is 355.
“We have a challenge in front of us, and that’s getting the Navy back up to where it needs to be,” Wittman said. “We have a long way to go, but I am convinced we will get there.”
Wittman shared that on the previous day he joined with the President and Secretary of Defense James Mattis, along with the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in Newport News, Va.
With that, Wittman opened the floor for the students to express their thoughts and concerns and answer any questions they might have.
The students wasted no time; the first question from the floor regarded potential effects that the controversial wall along the United States southern border might have on the environment.
Wittman shared that studies will be done to ensure that the environmental impact is minimal.
“There are many things they can do to secure the wall that won’t need a physical barrier,” Wittman said.
The students questioned Wittman on alternative energy forms. In his response, Wittman raised the issue of nuclear energy as a backup to solar and wind power.
“The Navy does the best job of any group of people in the world in using nuclear energy and using it safely,” Wittman said.
He added that the Navy has used nuclear energy for more than 50 years with no nuclear accident or overexposure, and that the Navy’s example was a wonderful one to follow.
The children were entertained following their question and answer period with the congressman by his enthusiastic reading of the chosen Dr. Seuss book. Before Wittman left for the day, he shook hands and greeted each child as they headed back to their classroom.
“Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday comes once a year and it’s opportunities such as this one that makes our DoD Education Activity School such a special educational environment for the children here at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren,” Capt. Mary Feinberg, commanding officer at NSASP said. “We are fortunate to be able to provide such an opportunity and appreciate Congressman Wittman taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with and read to the children.”