Roosevelt Student’s Letter to Soldier Arrives a Day Late

Two weeks ago, Jesse Snow’s father received the box of his deceased son’s belongings after Snow died nearly seven months ago while serving in Afghanistan. It had the typical necessities, but amidst the items was a letter from second grader Kelsey Erickson.

Roxanne Dragan’s second graders mailed the letters back in November, but Kelsey’s arrived the day after soldier Jesse Snow, 25, of the 101st Airborne Division died saving another soldier in the Kunar Province.

Snow’s father called two weeks ago to thank Kelsey and the school for the letter. He said that the letter meant a lot to his family, and he has the letter on his desk, according to Principal Trish Girardi. He said Snow, of Fairborn, Ohio, loved children. His father said that while overseas, Jesse often distributed candy, toys, and Chapstick to the local Afghan children. Jesse believed that making a better life for these children was just as important as serving his country. 

“Unit members said that he shared his last meal with a fellow hungry soldier," Snow's father said. "He is loved and missed by his family, friends, community, and 101st Airborne Brothers.”

Roosevelt regularly mails letters to the men and women serving our country. On the school’s bulletin board, photos of Jesse Snow and Kelsey’s letter are a reminder of the school’s commitment to honor the military.

"I was in tears as I heard the story and decided to dedicate the office bulletin board in his memory," Girardi said.

The school deliberately sent the letters in November, acknowledging that the soldiers would be away from home during the holiday season.

“We are glad that the family finds some comfort in the letter written by one of our students,” Girardi said. “We honor Jesse Snow for his bravery and contribution to our country.”

Girardi said classes will do one more letter writing campaign before the school year ends. Next year, the school plans to send two to three more packages.

--Story contributed by Roosevelt parent Trish Taylor and Principal Trish Girardi