Fort Buchanan welcomes students for first day of DoWEA classes

FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico - Thousands of students returned to classrooms Aug. 17 as the Department of War Education Activity school system at Fort Buchanan began the new academic year.

Military personnel, teachers, family members and community partners welcomed approximately 1,100 students attending the installation’s elementary, middle and high schools, wishing them a successful school year.

At Antilles Elementary School, students began their day by walking through the school’s annual Welcome Tunnel. Fort Buchanan firefighters stood alongside school personnel, service members and community partners, greeting children with smiles, cheers and high-fives.

Fort Buchanan firefighter Danny Jimenez created a memorable moment by dressing as Spider-Man to welcome the students. His appearance brought surprise, laughter and excitement while helping ease first-day nerves.

Among the parents marking the first day was Sgt. 1st Class Rafael Fuentes, a Soldier assigned to the San Juan Recruiting Company. Fuentes accompanied his 11-year-old daughter, Stella, as she began sixth grade.

“It means a lot to me,” Fuentes said. “I’m happy she has the opportunity to attend school here, receive a great education and enjoy the time we have in Puerto Rico.”

Fuentes, with nearly 19 years of active-duty service, was assigned to Puerto Rico in 2023 after serving at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He said enrolling his children in Fort Buchanan’s DoWEA school system helped ease the family’s move to the island.

“The transition was very easy for my children,” Fuentes said. “Because they primarily speak English, moving from a school in the continental United States to Puerto Rico worked out very well for them.”

Fuentes said Fort Buchanan’s support extends beyond its schools and is particularly valuable to active-duty Soldiers serving throughout Puerto Rico.

“Having Fort Buchanan nearby is extremely important, especially for recruiters,” Fuentes said. “The installation provides many of the services and support available at an active-duty installation, which is a tremendous benefit for us and our families.”

The first-day activities demonstrated the shared commitment of educators, service members, first responders and families to the resilience and success of military-connected students.

For more information about the DoWEA and schools within the local community, contact the installation School Liaison Officer at 787-707-3400 or by email@

As the Army’s home in the Caribbean, Fort Buchanan provides services that enhance quality of life, strengthen readiness and support the military community across Puerto Rico.