By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

MORROW - Every child at Morrow Elementary School stood Wednesday before Army Reserve recruiter Sgt. Jay August and pledged to obey the rules and goals of the school's Character Traits Program.

And to remind them, each of the 440 kindergarten through fourth-grade children received a dog tag and chain to wear.

August told the students to keep track of the tags, keep them safe, and keep true to their pledge - the same message he gives new recruits.

"When you raised your right hand - that was a promise you don't want to break too readily," August said. "You'll do some pushups if you don't have them (dog tags) the next time I'm here."

"I think the kids are very aware of the military right now and were excited to have a uniformed officer visit them,'' said second-grade teacher Pam Jordan, who helped organize the program that emphasizes a different value each month.

"I think this is an amazing program that will reinforce the values we are teaching our son at home," said parent Lynn Steinkirchner.

Her son, Matthew, received a second tag for his practice of October's trait - responsibility.

"I feel very proud of myself," said Matthew, 7. "I will wear them to school and on special occasions. It is verrrrry important.''

"By having him 'enlist' them, we were able to bring career awareness, character education and community involvement into one project,'' Principal Scott Gates said.

Every month, dog tags will represent a character emphasis. Each teacher will select two students to receive those monthly tags.