A Marine's Gratitude

This morning I got the following letter from SSgt. W. a Marine currently serving in Afghanistan. I wanted to share.

Ms. Divine, 

I just wanted to say thank you for your package that was received today.

Knowing that we are loved and supported is half the battle and reminds
us what we are fighting for. 
I personally love going through pictures that kids have sent in.  It
reminds me of my own children. 
Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of wall space to display them
proudly.  But I am going to put them on display in a binder or on a clip
board.  Thank you for your kind words. 

Have a Merry Christmas and A happy New Year. 

Semper Fidelis, 

SSgt W

SSgt W's letter illustrates how important it is for Americans of all ages to support our troops anyway we can. It means the world to them, to know WE care and they are NOT FORGOTTEN. I encourage you to make an extra Christmas card this year and send it downrange, or send it to me and I'll make sure it gets into the hands of a service member. It only takes a moment, and it means more than you'll ever know.

Remember.... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Meet A Veteran Day Media Coverage

For those of you who don't know, I live in a uniquely small town. How small do you ask? Small enough the newspaper, The Lassen Times is published once a week. All stories have to be submitted Thursday by noon, and the paper is delivered the following Tuesday. Oh... and did I mention the newspaper is free? One might think with such a small paper the names, places, and basic facts of the stories are accurate.... well I'll just say we get what we pay for.

As is the case every year, Veterans Day is widely celebrated in the local paper. This year, Words For Warriors had two pictures from Meet A Veteran Day included in their collage of Veterans Day celebrations.

I know the writing is small under the photos in these pictures, but the paper gave the credit of Meet A Veteran Day to the Janesville Faculty.  Janesville Faculty have gone out of their way to thank me for the assembly. I have also received much gratitude from Veterans.  Even though the paper got it wrong... again... I feel honored to have put the assembly together and look forward to next years assembly.

Remember....

Their Sacrafice. Our Freedom.

Meet A Veteran Day Student Artwork

Students at Janesville School created some amazing artwork for the Meet A Veteran Day Assembly. Some teachers had their entire class participate, others offered extra credit, and some students had so much pride they created several pieces. The theme was "Patriotism." Below is a few examples of the patriotic artwork the students made.

This flag is approximately 6 feet wide and 8 feet long. It is made from the APE after school program participants hand prints.

Semper Paratus!

Semper Fi!

This We'll Defend!

Fly-Fight-Win!

Honor, Courage, Commitment

A students message to his Uncle.

This hand print flag and the artwork below was courtesy of the kindergarden class.

Art work donned the walls of the gym as well as the front of the stage.

 Below is a few of my favorite pieces of student art. 

Meet A Veteran Day School Assembly

The goal of Meet A Veteran Day at Janesville School was to say Thank You For Your Service to our local Veterans and encourage direct communication between the students and the Veterans. I'm proud to announce the event was a success and here's what success looks like...

Students and faculty preparing for the flag salute.

The Veterans and I salute the flag.

Katie, a student at Janesville ROCKED the Star Spangled Banner.

A Janesville Student Body Officer read a Never Forget message explaining the symbolism of the POW/MIA table.

Janesville Students listened to their questions being read by Student Officers then waited patiently for the Veterans answers. 

Thanks to the Veterans who answered the students questions. Some were family members of Janesville Students. 

Corporal Barron, fresh from Afghanistan brought some of his gear for the students to see and try on.

From the students I have had a chance to talk to, they loved hearing the answers the Veterans gave to their questions. One student's question directed to the Navy asked if they'd ever been swimming in the water and what kind of fish they saw.  The answer was quite fascinating as the Navy man was in charge of retrieving a torpedo and just before he and his men got into the water the ship signaled there were SHARKS! Luckily, they retrieved the torpedo and no one was hurt. 

I hope to make Meet A Veteran Day an annual event at Janesville School. I would like to thank Subway and Janesville Parent Teacher Organization for helping to sponsor the event. I would also like to say thank you to my friends, Sheri D., Tawyna M., Donna K., Shannon M., Delia B. Kanani, Amanda M., Janesville Student Body, and the Janesville Faculty. Meet A Veteran Day was a success because of all of you. 

Lastly, I would like to say to ALL Active Duty and Veterans THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Meet A Veteran Day-Coming Together

For those of you who don't know, Words For Warriors is putting on an assembly at Janesville School on Thursday, November 10th called Meet A Veteran Day. We first announced it here. I am proud to say this event is coming together.

One of those friends I'd like to thank is Kanani from The Kitchen Dispatch . Kanani was nice enough to send Army Flair which will be given to the winners of the student art contest.

I would also like to send much gratitude to my friend and Blue Star Mom Sheri D.  Sheri and her Mr. Subway own the local Subways and have thrown in 10 coupons for free sandwiches to sweeten the pot!

The Air Force Recruiter was out of the office today.  The Army Recruiter was rushing out the door, and the Marine Recruiter gave me a cute smile. 

But the NAVY recruiter..... 

That's right there's so much you have to turn your head sideways.

There will be pictures, perhaps the local newspaper, and hopefully video to cover this 1st Annual Meet A Veteran Day. I'll keep you posted!