Veterans Day/Memorial Day Song

My friend Gene who served this country as an Oakland Police officer posted this and I thought it was so wonderful I had to post it here for everyone to see.  It not only brought a tear to my eye, but made me proud of the performing 3rd graders.  This is excellent and I advise you to take the time to listen to it.  It might be the best three minutes of your day.

Thanks you Soldiers Veterans Day/Memorial Day Song by Tussing Elementary Third Grade Class

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.

Valentines Day

Valentines Day is seen by many as the consumer holiday to force you to buy a five dollar card to show that special someone how much you love them.  I hope this will change the minds of many of you.  Mrs. Ovitz's Third grade class at Janesville Union School made Valentines for our Warriors.  I have attached three pictures but must say each card is not only individual but also a pop-up card.  I applaud the time, effort, and thought that each student put into their card.  They are truly amazing.  I am excited  and honored to mail these Valentines out and can hardly wait for our Warriors to see what I see.

A Giant Thank You To Mrs. Ovitz's and her Third Graders

Thanks From An Airman

Kristin Devine, Mrs. Rachel Vincent and the students of Susanville, Ca. and surrounding areas.  I have read each of your letters and passed them on to my Airmen.  During the Holidays we have received numerous packages and gifts from around the states.  However, the letters from the students are treasured most because of the messages sent and support relayed in each letter.  From the football, basketball, soccer players to the ones with artistic skills and musical dreams; all of us here in Afghanistan would like to thank you for your support.  Your letters and drawings are hung proudly in our office.  I wish I could write back to all of the letters I received from students like you.  Please know that your support and letter helped an Airmen in some way.  Either it got them through a tough day or brought the memories of home just a bit closer to them.  We are all here for the same reason.  To help the people of Afghanistan and protect our way of life back home.  In my mind, I do what I do for you and my family.  I have two boys, 10 yrs and 16 yrs old that I would do anything for and that feeling is extended to everyone back in the states.

The words and thoughts of the young people are what most of us remember when we return home.  So I thank you again for taking your time to start a great program.

Thank you and take care.

SMSgt Timothy W. Fearney

Many Thanks and Appreciation

I would like to send out many thanks to Mrs. Rachel Vincent's English classes and Mellisa Ash's Study Hall and their students at Lassen Union High School for writing letters, poems, and drawing pictures.  I also send out my gratitude to Mrs. McKee's students, Mrs. Ovitz, and Mrs. Bricker's and their students for writing letters, drawing pictures, and send Holiday Cheer from Janesville Union School.

All of the correspondence that I collected I made copies of and sent out to four individual address, to soldiers in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and the USO Base in Qatar.  The USO Base is where soldiers go when they get a 4 day pass, have combat stress leave, or are recovering from a minor injury.

I would also like to than Mrs. DeKock for helping with postage, which was especially appreciated since postage went up as of the first of the year.

Thanks to each and every person who helped by participating in some way to get an envelope to a soldier down range.  During the Holidays when people miss home the most, I am sure everything was very appreciated.

January Mailing

Well the holiday's have passed and we are officially in the year 2010.  To get the year started off right I am currently putting together my first mass mailing.  I have contributions from 5 teachers and their students between Janesville Union and Lassen High School.  There are more teachers and students who have promised me letters, poems, and artwork is on the way. I am very excited.  


I will post a little note as I send off the letters with special thanks to those teachers and students who have contributed.  


Once again... I thank you for taking the time to help make make sure our hard working soldiers know how much we care.  If you have any letters, poems, art work, or donations please contact me.  I will be happy to pick them up and get them sent downrange as soon as possible.  


Keep in mind that Valentines Day is next month.  I know the soldiers would love to have Valentine's wishes too.  Even if it's just a heart cut out with a THANK YOU.  They are grateful for everything we send.