Soldier Returns To Cut Yellow Ribbon

Springdale Morning News ^ | Fri, Feb 20, 2004 | Denise Malan

[fella]

Soldier Returns To Cut Yellow Ribbon Fri, Feb 20, 2004

Hooper Was Pen Pal To Third-Grade Class

By Denise Malan

The Morning News/NWAonline.net • dmalan@nwaonline.net

SPRINGDALE -- A third-grade class at Lee Elementary School cheered Thursday as Pfc. Lance Hooper cut a giant yellow ribbon -- tied around a tree in hopes of his return -- and gave it to his mother.

The children in Teresa Powers' class became Hooper's pen pals while he was stationed in Iraq. Hooper, 22, a 2000 Siloam Springs High School graduate, visited the class in November while he was on a two-week leave.

Now Hooper is back for six months to a year, and the children had another chance to ask questions of their pen pal.

"Do you like being in the Army?" one pupil asked.

"Yeah, it's not that bad," Hooper replied. "I like being in the U.S. and being in the Army. I don't like being in Iraq and being in the Army."

Several children told their teacher they might want to go into the armed forces after meeting Hooper.

Lane McCall, 9, in Powers' class, wrote letters to Hooper. "How you been doing?" he remembered writing. "I've been doing good. I hope you are, too. I kept my Iraq money. I'll never spend it."

Hooper gave each child two Iraqi bills -- worth about 25 cents -- during his last visit.

"We've been waiting so long to see him," said Caitlin Noland, 8. "We've been asking when he gets to come back."

Returning home about two weeks ago, Hooper leaves Feb. 29 for Fort Bragg, N.C. He expects he will be sent back to Iraq for a second tour within six months to a year. He didn't tell the children he has a shoulder injury that might require surgery.

The letters back and forth helped motivate the children in Springdale and the soldier in Iraq.

"I like them a lot," Hooper said, watching the class file back inside Lee Elementary. "It helps out a lot. It's good to come back and see them."

[fella]

Aint it strage that a classroom full of children know more than the whole Demonrat Party.

[bigghurtt]

Aint it strage that a classroom full of children know more than the whole Demonrat Party

thems arkinsaw kids

[Caipirabob]

This is really touching. Great post to start the day with.