Read Messages Below:"To the United States Military and Armed Forces,
Thanks for everything you are doing over seas and even in our own country. Even though I don't know anyone personally that is involved with the war, I appreciate the hard work and fearful jobs that you do. Protecting your country and its people is one of the most important jobs anyone can have, and "yall" have done a WONDERFUL job at it. Thanks so much for everything. Stay strong and faithful and I can't wait for the day that everyone can come home safely to their families!...I will pray for you all.God Bless the USA!!!" Erica L, Whiteville, NC 28472

New Bern, NC Elementary School Students Write Letters to Deployed Forces

Fifth and second graders at J.T. Barber Elementary School, New Bern, NC are engaged in a letter writing campaign to support deployed service members. The campaign was initiated after District Attorney W. David McFadyen, who was visiting Virginia Squier's fifth grade class, suggested they write to his friend, Marine Lt. Col. Mike Kozik. The first letters were sent to the Marines in Lt. Col. Kozik's unit. But the children didn't stop there.

"The children have been really excited about it," says Ms. Squier. "They think they're helping the Marines feel good about what they're doing."

"Getting mail from those children will be the highlight of the Marines' day," declared Sgt. Bradley Shaver, a public affairs representative at the nearby Marine base at Cherry Point. He says it helps the Marines in the Middle East to know that at home, spirits are high. "Marines live from Sunday to Sunday, chow to chow and mail to mail. Getting mail from children makes them feel like they're back home. It would not only brighten my day, but also boost my morale."

The letter writing campaign spread from one fifth grade class, to another, and another, and then the second graders got in on it, also. As the campaign expanded, the recipient list of the letters was expanded to include service members from all branches of the service.

Says student Evan Nelson, "I've written about how brave they were and to try to cheer them up, because maybe they're scared out there."

"I wrote that I feel much better now that they are over there," another student, Gabrielle Revette, says. "I used to feel really scared. Now I feel much better."

Students Orianna Best, Abby Valenti, and Hope Johnson reported that they had written about their classes, their school, and themselves. Some students put pictures in with their letters.

"I drew an American flag with a few people around it," explained Hope Johnson. "I didn't draw in their faces, because they stood for so many."

Saying that her students would welcome the names, mail and e-mail addresses of specific members of the armed forces to write to, Ms. Squier suggests these be emailed to virginia.squier@craven.k12.nc.us.

"We're planning to write some more letters," she declared."We are writing the letters not expecting a response, but we are hoping for one."

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