Each One, Reach One- Middle School Supports Soldiers in Iraq

The Daily Dispatch/Argus ^ | November 9, 2004 | Janee Jackson

[conservativebabe]

EAST MOLINE -- Glenview Middle School teacher Meredith Brandt soon will have to write letters to correspond with her 21-year-old son, Michael Brandt, a private first class who will be stationed on Okinawa, Japan, next week.

But she and other teachers want students to show their support, too.

"These kids can do good things," Mrs. Brandt said. "If they're given a chance, they can do awesome things."

Glenview kicked off a collection drive Monday for "Each One, Reach One," a schoolwide effort to support soldiers in Iraq. Students will collect books and other items to be mailed to troops in Iraq.

Mr. Brandt, of Maquoketa, Iowa, also spoke to students about military life as a Marine.

"We want to do it all year, not just Christmas," Mrs. Brandt said of the collection drive.

The home economics teacher wanted to make a difference after talking to other military parents though the Internet. Swapping stories, she wondered why some soldiers don't get any letters from home.

"I just can't understand it," she said. "I would sit in tears after reading letters from all of these people."

Mrs. Brandt raised the idea with counselor Marlyse Anderson. Several other Glenview faculty and staff members also have relatives serving in the military, Mrs. Anderson said.

"Kids in general just need to help others," she said. "They need our support."

"Each One, Reach One" students meet with their eighth-period teachers to create project ideas for 20 minutes. Some projects included homemade Christmas and thank-you notes and making pocket flags for troops.

Small things, like letters, are treasured, Mr. Brandt said.

"My friends get letters from people they've never met," he said to students. "They don't just read the letters and throw them away."

Mr. Brandt completed 13 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Training Depot in San Diego, Calif. After 10 days of rest, he attended additional training for three weeks in Maryland.

As for a possible transfer to Iraq, he said the odds are small. However, things aren't always set in stone.

"Things can change in the military in a whim," he said. "If I have to go, I have to go. I'm not going to run from it."

HOW TO HELP the "EACH ONE, REACH ONE" drive:

Donate these items at Glenview Middle School, 3210 7th St., East Moline

-- Books, including books on tape

-- Magazines, in good taste

-- Toilet paper

-- Puzzles

-- Money for postage

-- Hard candies

-- Beef jerky/beef sticks

-- Travel size toiletries

-- Baby wipes-to take small baths with

-- Granola bars

-- DVDs and CDs

-- Crossword puzzle/word search books

-- Chewing gum

-- Foot liners for boots

-- Treats

Questions: Call Jeff Fairweather, principal (309) 755-1919

[conservativebabe]

A wonderful way for kids to get involved in supporting our troops. Kudos to Glenview Middle School. The list of items needed is helpful for anyone who would like to make donations to the troops.