School Project
What began as a "cookie drop mission" for some Illinois Angels. Turned into an opportunity for a Soldier and a teen-Angel to educate a class of eighth grade students, plus three teachers and an angel, on the Life of a Soldier.
Holly Aho, had posted in her Milbog award winning Soldiers Angels blog about a trip she took too an armory. Bringing cookies, and a Thank You too the soldiers that train there. Holly is creative and brave. Something we Angels need. Especially fairly new angels like myself. A role model that is willing to get in the trenches, Veterans hospitals, armories. Then share her experiences. This motivates other Angels to move, to act, to do something. Quite honestly I had not thought of it, but it sounded like fun!!
One of the responses she received was;
"Hey, now if you could get someone to stop by the Northwest Armory in Chicago this weekend, that would really be something, heh heh."
Holly went to the SA board too post an alert too Illinois Angels. "Anyone want to go by the armory there? We have a request for Cookies." Seeing the post, I responded. Notified our Division Supervisor. We got the location, and proceeded to try and get in touch with the elusive Major John. A variety of emails were sent, posts on blogs. Poor Major John! Little did he know how seriously we take these missions. Plus we had never done this before and really want to try it.
His first response was a bit bashfull. "Well, I know another group that would deserve it more." Oh, no!! We weren't going to let him get away with that. We can bring some to yours and theirs. Really.
I think it was the second email. That I remembered my daughter was going to do a valentine’s card signing in one of her classes. The teacher had her own soldier training to go overseas. So we decided to sign valentines for her soldier and two of ours. I got too thinking; "would it not be cool, to have a real soldier come in the class that day?" While the kids signed the cards, he could talk to them about being a soldier. I shot a quick email off too the teacher asking her what she thought. AH! Technology has its plusses!! Then looking at Major John’s email, wondered if he would be willing to be the soldier that talked to the kids? Or would he know one that might be willing too? It wouldn't hurt to ask, the least he would do is say no. We would still bring the cookies. It's just an idea.
He responded kindly. "Yes. Let him know the details and we could coordinate it. He would find someone. Would we prefer a Soldier that had been in Iraq, or would one that had been in Afghanistan suffice?"
Major John’s battalion had been in Afghanistan from February 2004 to April 2005. Stationed at Bagram AFB. Major John joined the military in 1985 because he felt it offered him a variety of things to do. Starting out as an Infantry Scout, moving up to Ordinance Officer. He is now a Civilian Affairs Officer. Working with the civilians and/or civilian government wherever they go, helping his Commander understand the people and culture of the area they will be operating in.
After a few weeks, we had a date. The original talk had turned into an actual History Project. My daughter’s history class was studying WWI.
A Soldier Then and Now, Adapt and Overcome
Became the projects name. My daughter and I sent out questionnaires to some of the Soldiers we write too. Asking them about there living conditions. We also sent some questions too Major John.
In my soldiers angels life I have had the opportunity to meet some kind and wonderful people. Complete strangers, willing too help out. First Major John being willing to find someone or come to the school himself. Not having even met me, or knowing exactly what would happen.
It was also that way with David Terron.
Hearing about the death of a coalition soldier from Scotland. I was able to get in touch with their battalion, The Queens Own Highlanders {Seaforth and Cameron’s} webmaster. David sent me the address too send cards. Then as we exchanged emails, I realized he was retired. Now teaching history. Hm? Would he happen to have something on WWI? Were the Highlanders involved in that?
With the words; "Incoming!!!" David sent me enough information to fill numerous booklets, plus some study materials they use too teach their students about WWI. I quickly shot the school study papers to our history teacher here. She thought they were very cool!! Then printed everything else David sent. Poems, pictures, stories on trench warfare. Scotsman in Kilts fighting on the front lines!! It was awe-inspiring!!
Now we had our booklet. With stories and pictures. Our PFC now SPC Timothy sent us a bunch of pictures from Iraq, answered any questions we asked. Our Soldiers sent back the questions with alot of answers!
Also Inside were facts on the food supplies for WWI. Poetry from both wars. But our real intent was to educate on the life of a Soldier. NOW! Take them off the t.v. and bring them too life. Their sacrifice and diligence. Plus there was a page dedicated to Soldiers Angels and all the projects we do. Website addy included!!
One of the teachers commented on how similar a soldiers life is then and now.
I could not have picked a more perfect person then Major John to be the Real Soldier. Truly. I entered the classroom, and he was already there dressed in Class A uniform! Kids were walking around him, looking at the things he had brought from Afghanistan. The teachers were happy to see him there. Not just because he brought afghan money for everyone!! The kids really appreciated that. Me too!! It was the old money but they did not care. How often is it we can see this? After it was all said and done, I have to admit. I didn't get one. So I asked for one. I don't have any money from Afghanistan! Ours, are in a picture frame, with some of our other Soldiers Angel memorabilia. To us these items are all a part of history in the making.
My daughter was fabulous of course!! Reciting her facts on WWI. She got about halfway through the booklet we prepared. When the teacher cut her short. They really wanted to hear what Major John had to say. She didn't mind, she's not fond of public speaking.
Major John came prepared. Asked for an assistant from the audience. The boys went wild!! Me! Pick me!!
While the kids took turns passing out pictures he had brought from his time in Afghanistan. He started out with the desert uniform, the variety of patches and what they mean. While he layered that kid with helmet, and gear!!! This kid was in seventh heaven!! Yep the helmet is heavy!! Impressed upon the kids the weight of items soldiers carry. As well the heat!! 100 to 140 degrees!! On patrol! A Camelback is a water container Soldiers carry. I had never heard of them before and asked about them later for our soldiers. Soldiers drink gallons of water, they have too or suffer heatstroke.
What was super cool, was he brought reading materials. The military printed to inform the afghan people of what they were doing. Also a flyer listing different tribes, and how they all needed to get along.
I have to admit I didn't realize all the military does for the people of the country they are in. Plus getting used to the languages. There are three forms of it in Afghanistan. They carry these neat, transcribing papers. That list what different words mean. If nothing else, hand signals to get across what it is they are asking the local villagers.
When the bell rang, everyone sat there. Wanting him to continue...
I wish we had, had more time. But in the time allotted I know each person walked away with a different view of a Soldier, then what he or she walked into that classroom with. Major John donated patches, pictures and the afghan money for the school too display. The teacher filmed it all.
My daughter spent the rest of the afternoon answering questions; "Where did you find him?" We are bringing cookies to his armory. "Why are you doing that?" It’s a Soldiers Angel’s mission, to thank the soldiers for serving our country. "What are soldiers angels?" We send care packages, adopt soldiers. PFC Timothy is one of our soldiers. All the soldiers in the booklet are ones we write too. S.A help the wounded, supply kevlar blankets. She was kind of a star. All the kids were very impressed with Major John. Also, she got too talk about SA. Hopefully the kids took the booklets home and their parents will visit the website.
Last but not least; The booklet. I told David we are sending him a copy. To thank him for all the help. His reply was; "If the lassie wants to send me a copy-most kind-and I will ensure it is displayed in the Regimental Museum at Fort George for the delight of our visitors and take a photo just to prove it!!"
We are sending him the booklet, a picture of the class, and of course the SA emblem, to show how this all got started!!! What an amazing time!!! Thank You to everyone who contributed!!!
Illinois Soldiers Angel Christine
Holly Aho, had posted in her Milbog award winning Soldiers Angels blog about a trip she took too an armory. Bringing cookies, and a Thank You too the soldiers that train there. Holly is creative and brave. Something we Angels need. Especially fairly new angels like myself. A role model that is willing to get in the trenches, Veterans hospitals, armories. Then share her experiences. This motivates other Angels to move, to act, to do something. Quite honestly I had not thought of it, but it sounded like fun!!
One of the responses she received was;
"Hey, now if you could get someone to stop by the Northwest Armory in Chicago this weekend, that would really be something, heh heh."
Holly went to the SA board too post an alert too Illinois Angels. "Anyone want to go by the armory there? We have a request for Cookies." Seeing the post, I responded. Notified our Division Supervisor. We got the location, and proceeded to try and get in touch with the elusive Major John. A variety of emails were sent, posts on blogs. Poor Major John! Little did he know how seriously we take these missions. Plus we had never done this before and really want to try it.
His first response was a bit bashfull. "Well, I know another group that would deserve it more." Oh, no!! We weren't going to let him get away with that. We can bring some to yours and theirs. Really.
I think it was the second email. That I remembered my daughter was going to do a valentine’s card signing in one of her classes. The teacher had her own soldier training to go overseas. So we decided to sign valentines for her soldier and two of ours. I got too thinking; "would it not be cool, to have a real soldier come in the class that day?" While the kids signed the cards, he could talk to them about being a soldier. I shot a quick email off too the teacher asking her what she thought. AH! Technology has its plusses!! Then looking at Major John’s email, wondered if he would be willing to be the soldier that talked to the kids? Or would he know one that might be willing too? It wouldn't hurt to ask, the least he would do is say no. We would still bring the cookies. It's just an idea.
He responded kindly. "Yes. Let him know the details and we could coordinate it. He would find someone. Would we prefer a Soldier that had been in Iraq, or would one that had been in Afghanistan suffice?"
Major John’s battalion had been in Afghanistan from February 2004 to April 2005. Stationed at Bagram AFB. Major John joined the military in 1985 because he felt it offered him a variety of things to do. Starting out as an Infantry Scout, moving up to Ordinance Officer. He is now a Civilian Affairs Officer. Working with the civilians and/or civilian government wherever they go, helping his Commander understand the people and culture of the area they will be operating in.
After a few weeks, we had a date. The original talk had turned into an actual History Project. My daughter’s history class was studying WWI.
A Soldier Then and Now, Adapt and Overcome
Became the projects name. My daughter and I sent out questionnaires to some of the Soldiers we write too. Asking them about there living conditions. We also sent some questions too Major John.
In my soldiers angels life I have had the opportunity to meet some kind and wonderful people. Complete strangers, willing too help out. First Major John being willing to find someone or come to the school himself. Not having even met me, or knowing exactly what would happen.
It was also that way with David Terron.
Hearing about the death of a coalition soldier from Scotland. I was able to get in touch with their battalion, The Queens Own Highlanders {Seaforth and Cameron’s} webmaster. David sent me the address too send cards. Then as we exchanged emails, I realized he was retired. Now teaching history. Hm? Would he happen to have something on WWI? Were the Highlanders involved in that?
With the words; "Incoming!!!" David sent me enough information to fill numerous booklets, plus some study materials they use too teach their students about WWI. I quickly shot the school study papers to our history teacher here. She thought they were very cool!! Then printed everything else David sent. Poems, pictures, stories on trench warfare. Scotsman in Kilts fighting on the front lines!! It was awe-inspiring!!
Now we had our booklet. With stories and pictures. Our PFC now SPC Timothy sent us a bunch of pictures from Iraq, answered any questions we asked. Our Soldiers sent back the questions with alot of answers!
Also Inside were facts on the food supplies for WWI. Poetry from both wars. But our real intent was to educate on the life of a Soldier. NOW! Take them off the t.v. and bring them too life. Their sacrifice and diligence. Plus there was a page dedicated to Soldiers Angels and all the projects we do. Website addy included!!
One of the teachers commented on how similar a soldiers life is then and now.
I could not have picked a more perfect person then Major John to be the Real Soldier. Truly. I entered the classroom, and he was already there dressed in Class A uniform! Kids were walking around him, looking at the things he had brought from Afghanistan. The teachers were happy to see him there. Not just because he brought afghan money for everyone!! The kids really appreciated that. Me too!! It was the old money but they did not care. How often is it we can see this? After it was all said and done, I have to admit. I didn't get one. So I asked for one. I don't have any money from Afghanistan! Ours, are in a picture frame, with some of our other Soldiers Angel memorabilia. To us these items are all a part of history in the making.
My daughter was fabulous of course!! Reciting her facts on WWI. She got about halfway through the booklet we prepared. When the teacher cut her short. They really wanted to hear what Major John had to say. She didn't mind, she's not fond of public speaking.
Major John came prepared. Asked for an assistant from the audience. The boys went wild!! Me! Pick me!!
While the kids took turns passing out pictures he had brought from his time in Afghanistan. He started out with the desert uniform, the variety of patches and what they mean. While he layered that kid with helmet, and gear!!! This kid was in seventh heaven!! Yep the helmet is heavy!! Impressed upon the kids the weight of items soldiers carry. As well the heat!! 100 to 140 degrees!! On patrol! A Camelback is a water container Soldiers carry. I had never heard of them before and asked about them later for our soldiers. Soldiers drink gallons of water, they have too or suffer heatstroke.
What was super cool, was he brought reading materials. The military printed to inform the afghan people of what they were doing. Also a flyer listing different tribes, and how they all needed to get along.
I have to admit I didn't realize all the military does for the people of the country they are in. Plus getting used to the languages. There are three forms of it in Afghanistan. They carry these neat, transcribing papers. That list what different words mean. If nothing else, hand signals to get across what it is they are asking the local villagers.
When the bell rang, everyone sat there. Wanting him to continue...
I wish we had, had more time. But in the time allotted I know each person walked away with a different view of a Soldier, then what he or she walked into that classroom with. Major John donated patches, pictures and the afghan money for the school too display. The teacher filmed it all.
My daughter spent the rest of the afternoon answering questions; "Where did you find him?" We are bringing cookies to his armory. "Why are you doing that?" It’s a Soldiers Angel’s mission, to thank the soldiers for serving our country. "What are soldiers angels?" We send care packages, adopt soldiers. PFC Timothy is one of our soldiers. All the soldiers in the booklet are ones we write too. S.A help the wounded, supply kevlar blankets. She was kind of a star. All the kids were very impressed with Major John. Also, she got too talk about SA. Hopefully the kids took the booklets home and their parents will visit the website.
Last but not least; The booklet. I told David we are sending him a copy. To thank him for all the help. His reply was; "If the lassie wants to send me a copy-most kind-and I will ensure it is displayed in the Regimental Museum at Fort George for the delight of our visitors and take a photo just to prove it!!"
We are sending him the booklet, a picture of the class, and of course the SA emblem, to show how this all got started!!! What an amazing time!!! Thank You to everyone who contributed!!!
Illinois Soldiers Angel Christine
posted by Saoirse at 10:46 AM
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