Posted on 04/29/2008 5:47:13 PM PDT by SandRat
SIERRA VISTA Tanya Conde has never had her kindergarten class send care packages off with hopes of getting something back.
The Bella Vista Elementary School teacher said shes been military all her life, going from dependent, to active duty, to a spouse; so sending the care packages was just an important thing to do for her.
During Februarys National Patriotism Week, Conde decided to have her class put together care packages for the dads of two students in her class, both who are fighting in Iraq.
Just recently the class received packages of its own from each soldier, including a flag from 1st Sgt. Craig Muerer that was flown for the class on a combat reconnaissance mission by his Alpha Company, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion.
That just moved me, Conde said. I wanted to cry. Ive always sent care packages, but Ive never received something like this.
Conde asked students to bring in food items to put into the packages, as well as having each student write a letter to one of the soldiers. When Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Gray responded to the care package, he wrote a letter for each of the students hed received a letter from, as well as sending pictures.
He was very appreciative of the food, Conde said.
In one of them he wrote back that it helps him from having to eat in one of those yucky chow halls, she said with a laugh.
All the students were thrilled to get a response from the soldiers.
It was like riding a motorcycle, Isaac Hardy, 6, said of getting the American flag. It was just so cool, it was so big, it was as big as a regular flag.
Soldiers are very tough, theyre very brave.
Conde felt this was the perfect way to wrap up the patriotism lessons.
I think it fit in perfectly, she said. We were talking about heroes, national heroes.
I dont think they were really aware of whats going on, Conde added. I think it made them more aware.
Madison, Muerers daughter, said she liked getting to send her dad a care package, who she said shes very proud of.
I think hes my hero, she said. Because he fights over the wars, and hes strong enough to fight over the wars.
Herald/Review reporter Katie Evans can be reached at 515-4611 or by e-mail at katie.evans@svherald.com.
Bella Vista Elementary School teacher Tanya Conde, left, and her classroom aide Sarah Paulsen unfurl the American flag that was flown on a combat reconnaissance mission in Iraq. The kindergartners sent care packages to two fathers, whose children are in Condes class, who are serving in Iraq. The soldiers sent thank you letters and pictures, along with the flag. (Ed Honda-Herald/Review)
Gettin’ misty bump
BTTT!
Thank God there are still teachers that love this country among the Liberal “tear down America” teachers and college professors.
Neat story. Thanks
Bravo Zulu ping
I agree,good to know they’re still around..
Gives a person alittle hope,here..Bless these Soldiers and their youngins’.
Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for posting this. Tears.
I have my adopted Sailors whom I LOVE to spoil.
All freedom loving people should be sending packages to our men and women in the war on terror. Just MHO.
Monitor problems again. Funny how they keep happening on stories like this. BTT.
This little guy is smarter and more patriotic than the entire dem party.
Thanks. Dang it, I’m wiping the screen but it doesn’t seem to be helping. BTT.
Pass the box this way.
I may need all of them......
Lovely story, Sandrat!
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