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GIs reply to kindergarten care packages
Sierra Vista Herald/Bisbee Review ^ | Katie Evans

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 she’s 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 February’s 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. I’ve always sent care packages, but I’ve 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 he’d 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, they’re 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 don’t think they were really aware of what’s going on,” Conde added. “I think it made them more aware.”

Madison, Muerer’s daughter, said she liked getting to send her dad a care package, who she said she’s very proud of.

“I think he’s my hero,” she said. “Because he fights over the wars, and he’s 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.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; US: Arizona; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: carepackages; gis; iraq; kindergarten; packages
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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 Conde’s class, who are serving in Iraq. The soldiers sent thank you letters and pictures, along with the flag. (Ed Honda-Herald/Review)

1 posted on 04/29/2008 5:47:14 PM PDT by SandRat
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To: SandRat

Gettin’ misty bump


2 posted on 04/29/2008 5:49:59 PM PDT by roaddog727 (BS does not get bridges built - the funk you see is the funk you do)
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To: SandRat

BTTT!


3 posted on 04/29/2008 5:51:47 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar (Who would the terrorists vote for?)
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To: SandRat

Thank God there are still teachers that love this country among the Liberal “tear down America” teachers and college professors.


4 posted on 04/29/2008 5:54:06 PM PDT by ExTexasRedhead
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To: SandRat

Neat story. Thanks


5 posted on 04/29/2008 5:54:52 PM PDT by nuconvert (There are bad people in the pistachio business.)
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To: Girlene

Bravo Zulu ping


6 posted on 04/29/2008 5:58:49 PM PDT by lilycicero (DefendourTroops.org/DefendourMarines.org)
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To: roaddog727
Allow me
7 posted on 04/29/2008 6:00:27 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs to said?)
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To: ExTexasRedhead

I agree,good to know they’re still around..

Gives a person alittle hope,here..Bless these Soldiers and their youngins’.


8 posted on 04/29/2008 6:05:14 PM PDT by silentreignofheroes (Thank God for good directions,and turnip greens,,)
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To: SandRat

Thanks for posting this.


9 posted on 04/29/2008 6:07:33 PM PDT by processing please hold ( "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.")
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To: SandRat

Thanks for posting this. Tears.


10 posted on 04/29/2008 6:10:21 PM PDT by Bigg Red (Tagline is in the shop -- being retooled as a hybrid.)
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To: Bigg Red
Allow me
11 posted on 04/29/2008 6:11:38 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs to said?)
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To: SandRat
This is just an awesome report. Thank you for the wonderful news! 8)

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.

12 posted on 04/29/2008 6:12:37 PM PDT by Raffus (Veteran's Day - Thank each and everyone you know! Personally!)
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To: SandRat

Monitor problems again. Funny how they keep happening on stories like this. BTT.


13 posted on 04/29/2008 6:13:55 PM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: SandRat
“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, they’re very brave.”

This little guy is smarter and more patriotic than the entire dem party.

14 posted on 04/29/2008 6:15:28 PM PDT by hsalaw
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To: Billthedrill
Here,havesome monitor wipes
15 posted on 04/29/2008 6:19:56 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs to said?)
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To: All
See also My Cousin - A Patriot. These are the kind of teacher stories that should be in the news.
16 posted on 04/29/2008 6:31:05 PM PDT by NonValueAdded (Who Would Montgomery Brewster Choose?)
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To: SandRat

Thanks. Dang it, I’m wiping the screen but it doesn’t seem to be helping. BTT.


17 posted on 04/29/2008 6:32:59 PM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: Billthedrill
I have some extra for you
18 posted on 04/29/2008 6:34:29 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs to said?)
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To: SandRat; Billthedrill

Pass the box this way.

I may need all of them......


19 posted on 04/29/2008 6:37:07 PM PDT by exit82 (People get the government they deserve. And they are about to get it--in spades.)
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To: SandRat

Lovely story, Sandrat!


20 posted on 04/29/2008 6:40:52 PM PDT by ishabibble (ALL-AMERICAN INFIDEL)
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