Army Strong

I have had the pleasure of meeting a ton of new people which have quickly turned into very valuable friendships by starting Words For Warriors.  Today I received a package from my friends, Team Nemesis who are in Bagdad.  I have several pictures that they have sent me, but will not post them because I have not asked for permission and don't know if I would endanger them by doing so.  After all... this is the internet.  However, I will post some pictures of me and my boys showing off a few items that were in the package.  Not only are these great guys, but to know they took the time to put something special together for me and my boys overwhelms me.  I know they have difficult jobs and are in danger frequently, and yet still thought of us.  So it is with ALL my heart I say THANK YOU TEAM NEMESIS.

Thanks From A Marine

I just wanted to share this letter I got from Corporal Stevenson who was lucky enough to get the Valentines Day pop-up cards from Mrs. Ovitz's third grade class.  If you don't remember these fabulous cards you may see my previous post here.

Hello Kristina, my name is CPL Stevenson, (I just go promoted not to long ago so my email still says LCPL) I am in the United States Marine Corps and have been in for roughly 3 years now. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for the time you have took to start you "words for warriors" program. It is greatly appreciated. About my self, I am 21 years old and am currently deployed in southern Helmand province in Afghanistan, I too am from California, I am from Fresno which is in central California. But I am stationed out of camp lejeune NC. Your letters are VERY much appreciated, "A MARINE IS ONLY AS STRONG AS HIS SUPPORT FROM HOME" and to tell you the truth, sometimes we do feel forgotten and unappreciated, but people like you are the ones that we are here fighting for. And I thank you for what your doing. We have forwarded your letters to all the marines in my direct unit, and thought we do not have much time to write, I took it upon myself to let you know that we appreciate it... so once again, thank you very much, feel free to email me anytime.. thank you!!!!


CPL STEVENSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS


I would like to extend a big CONGRATULATIONS to Corporal Stevenson on his promotion.  I have no doubt it was well earned.


*I would just like to note that I have reposted Corporal Stevenson's letter exactly as he wrote it.  I have not added or taken anything from it and all emphasis is his. 

Show Your Support on Facebook

In an attempt to continue to get the word out on this little project I have started a Facebook page.  I encourage you to show your support and become a fan if you use Facebook.  The more access people have to Words For Warriors, the more we can show our support to our Warriors.

Many Thanks

http://ww.facebook.com/pages/Words-For-Warriors/286572989004

Mrs. Ethridge's Class

Mrs. Ethridge teaches the 4th and 5th grade combo class at Janesville Union School.  I had the privilege of being her substitute in the month of January.   I say it was a privilege because that's exactly what it was. Anyone who has a child in her class can be very proud on several levels.  First, it is an extraordinarily well behaved class.  I don't even think I had to ask them to quiet down once, which is completely unheard of for a substitute.  Secondly, I saw these children express more caring, empathy, and understanding for each other and the soldiers than I have ever seen in a classroom.
When I first explained that whenever they finished with an assignment early they could read a book quietly at their desk, or draw pictures, and write to the soldiers they were immediately excited.  In the instant to follow I heard students talking to other students about what not to say, because they didn't want to draw or write anything that would make the soldiers sad.  The students goal was clearly to make every soldier who was lucky enough to receive their letters, smile.  After looking at the pictures and reading the notes I think it is a safe bet they will illicit several smiles.  Especially the two boys who chose to write jokes.
I can't hardly wait for the letters to reach the USO in Al Basra Iraq where they can be properly enjoyed.    

Students Making A Difference

I would just like to stress the hard work the students are putting into their letters, poems, and artwork is paying off.  I mailed 14 packages of student work in the Month of January and have received 7 responses so far.  Considering the conditions and grueling work hours of these men, getting a response from half is far more than I could have ever expected.  The amazing thing is some of the packages are only just arriving, and some haven't arrived at all, so we may get responses from more soldiers in the future.

Every one of these soldiers who has responded has made it a point to let me know that receiving the packages full of student work not only brought smiles to their faces, but pride in their hearts.  I think one Marine said it best when he said, "A MARINE IS ONLY AS STRONG AS HIS SUPPORT FROM HOME."  He then went on to say that he had felt forgotten, so the letters he received where a great comfort and moral booster.  The letters are currently being passed to everyone in his unit.  I am finding out that these men share everything so passing the letters around so everyone in the unit can read them is standard operational procedure.

The letters I have received have brought great satisfaction to me, because they show we are being successful.  The students, teachers, and I are proving to our Warriors we do care.  They have not been forgotten about, and they are important to us.  I believe that is making all the difference.