Wakulla School District is Supporting Our Troops with Some Holiday Cheer

Carol Broome, Riversink teacher and wife of SFC Robert Broome, with the support of community members and school district contacts, such as Kitten Grimes, Frank Loney, Jessica Wells, Deidre Walker, Nancy Floyd-Richardson, Melinda House, Linda Sharpe and Shelley Payne have collected DVD’s, popcorn, toiletries, candy, books and playing cards to prepare Holidays from Home care packages for more than 500 local troops fighting overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Mrs. Broome notes, “Our soldiers put their lives on hold to serve our country.  I know they appreciate being remembered.  As a soldier’s wife, it is part of my job here at home to support my soldier.  We used this opportunity to teach valuable life lessons to our children in the classroom as well as at home.”

While some kids may be wishing for something special for themselves this year, it was obvious that many of Wakulla’s kids were wishing for something special for our troops.  Some of the lessons the students have learned include the use of technology such as Skype and Yahoo! Messenger to not only speak to the soldiers but see them as well.  Madison Millerstrip, RES 5th grade student said, “This was cool.  We are grateful they are fighting for our freedom.”  Austin Meadowcroft, RES 5th grader, has an aunt currently serving the US Army, he adds, “I think it’s awesome she’s in the Army as chemical officer.”  Dalton Lawhorn currently has a mother serving oversees in Afghanistan as a medic.  Dalton has used a webcam to speak with his mother.  He asked to add, “I think it’s cool that the soldiers are fighting for our country.  I love my mom and I hope she stays safe.”  Luke Broome, a RES 2nd grader, said, “My dad is in the army protecting us.  My wish?  Bring ‘em back.”

However, the special messages extended to all education levels.  Nancy Floyd-Richardson noted that the 11th grade curriculum includes American literature and history.  As the Junior Class Sponsor she viewed this as an opportunity for the students to “touch lives in a positive way.”  Mrs. Richardson said, “The high school students are studying what it means to be an American.  They understand the importance of providing support to our soldiers. Our students have realized the value and the difference one person can make, first-hand, through this service learning project.”   Wakulla Middle School rep Deidre Walker and Riversprings Middle School rep Jessica Wells noted that their students were excited to contribute.  Mrs. Wells’ husband, SGT Robert C. Wells is deployed to Mosul, Iraq.

Superintendent David Miller adds, “Put in simple terms, these donations are simple acts of goodwill.  The Wakulla School District understands the importance of supporting our veteran’s and troops.  I believe that support and positive communication from home can be incredibly important to the young men and women risking their lives on a daily basis, some of whom are only teenagers.  These efforts express love and gratitude for the men and women who will be spending the holiday season thousands of miles away from home this year.”

More than 60 boxes will be sent using the USPS Flat Rate Boxes.  If you would like to send a special Christmas greeting this year  to the Tallahassee based Army National Guard 779th, the address is:

Name and Rank of Soldier
HHC, 779th Engineer Battalion
130 EN BG
COS Marez
Mosul, Iraq
APO, AE 09334

This article originally published on November 13, 2009.

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Written by :

mkwestmark

 

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