DISA Joint Staff Support Center hosts local teachers at the Pentagon

By Austin Suggs / DISA Office of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs

The Defense Information Systems Agency is committed to investing in the next generation of leaders by raising awareness about the opportunities to do rewarding, impactful work within the United States Department of Defense .

Part of this involves informing educators about DISA’s vital national security mission so that they can share the information with their students. Most recently, DISA Joint Staff Support Center hosted teachers from Shrewsbury Christian Academy for a tour of the Pentagon.

During the visit, DISA team members accompanied the teachers on an official tour followed by a discussion about the agency’s work and where it fits within the broader scope of the department.

“My visit to the Pentagon gave me a richer appreciation for the work and mission of DOD and DISA personnel,” said Shrewsury Christian Academy Teacher Jeff Bean. “I will be able to incorporate some of the things I learned on this trip into my middle school civics class. I am so grateful for the briefing that United States Air Force Col. Angela Freeman gave us, and for the time that Charlie Berluche and Caroline Bean took out of their busy schedules to talk to us about various aspects of their individual responsibilities.”

Shrewsbury Christian Academy Principal Michelle Lippy, noted the importance not only of what the JSSC team does, but also how they do it.

“Our tour of the Pentagon introduced me to a new world — one of deep commitment, excellence and sacrifice. As an educator, I was reminded these are the traits we need to instill in future generations. I am grateful for the opportunity we had to learn more about the JSSC mission and to interact with some of the amazing individuals who protect and serve our nation.”

DISA Program Executive Office Services Director Caroline Bean, who helped organize the trip, shed light on why engagements like this are so important to her.

“Growing up I didn’t know much at all about the Department of Defense, so when I started at DISA as an intern, it was all new to me. Working for DISA has been so rewarding, and now I want to help the next generation learn about the incredible opportunities available to them in the DOD. That’s why I was so excited to host these teachers who are shaping the lives of young people and our future workforce.”

She continued, “Now, when these teachers are teaching classes about government to their students, they can bring the readings to life, sharing about their firsthand experience visiting the Pentagon and learning about how we’re leveraging STEM to protect our country.”

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