Army re-enlistment makes parents proud

When Brian Schroeder heard his son Robert was to be on national TV last Sunday, he spread the word. Robert, an Army specialist ready to re-enlist, would be sworn in at a halftime ceremony during the Titans-Jaguars pro football game in Florida. So family and friends gathered to watch. Since the networks in our area weren't broadcasting the game, the group headed over to the Stadium sports bar. They eagerly fixed their attention as the cameras showed an overhead view of the soldiers in formation, a two-star general ready to start the ceremony. Then . . . the station cut to a commercial.

It was disappointing, to say the least, says Schroeder, a longtime Rolling Meadows resident. But there's no disappointment, only pride, when he talks about his son's decision to re-enlist.

Army Spc. Robert Schroeder is a 2003 graduate of Rolling Meadows High School. He spent 15 months in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division before returning to the U.S. last April.

The 24-year-old was lured back by an Army incentive that in essence gives six years' credit for four years of active service. "He looked at what the Army offered and what the economy was doing and thought it would be good to have a steady paycheck," his dad said.

But there's more to it than money. "When people would ask Bobby why he was going back in, he'd tell them he felt proud of what they had accomplished over there," he continued. "He felt they had really helped the Iraqi people."

Of course, there's a chance his son could go overseas again. "I'm not so worried if he goes back to Iraq because he knows the lay of the land and the customs of the people," Schroeder said. "I'm more afraid if he goes to Afghanistan."

As for missing the ceremony, Schroeder only a little annoyed. He thinks the televised event was a publicity effort by the Army, which may be having trouble getting soldiers to stay on.

Be a 'Mini-Mustang': Rolling Meadows High School offers a unique preschool throughout the school year to children in the community. It's staffed by teens who have taken courses in human development and child care - and who love working with kids.

Linda Pribyl, the teacher who oversees the program, says the "Mini-Mustangs" preschool has openings in its afternoon class for the winter session.

The program is for children ages 3 to 5. The winter session runs from Feb. 17 through May, three days a week from 11:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Cost is $85, and scholarships are available for children with special needs.

Two of my own children are "graduates" of this preschool. It's a well-run program, and with a whole class of high school students running it, there's plenty of one-on-one attention for each youngster.

Call Pribyl at (847) 718-5640 to register.

• Colleen Thomas welcomes your news about community events and people. Call (847) 427-4591, or e-mail her at cthomas@dailyherald.com.