Preschoolers Show Support to Troops

preschoolers showed support for overseas troops last semester when they sent a batch of handmade “Caring Cards” to active duty soldiers.

The children learned about America’s military service during an assembly in February where faculty and staff shared photos about their loved ones currently serving in the military, a news release from the school stated.

Carol Deaton spoke about her son, Army Second Lieutenant Seth Deaton;  Jean Petrovs mentioned her son, Army Lance Corporal Jeff Petrovs; and Robin O'Rear talked about her nephew, Army First Lieutenant John Patrick Walsh, who is currently serving in Iraq. 

The students created the cards during Valentine’s Day parties which were later shipped along with care packages to Athens Academy alumni serving in the military.

In May, John Walsh sent the letter below to his aunt:

To Mrs. Robin O'Rear, the students, faculty, administration, and families of Athens Academy,
          On behalf of my men and myself, thank you for your kindness and efforts in sending care packages to us.  Mrs. O'Rear, I would like to specifically thank you for organizing and coordinating this project as well.  Your generosity and thoughtfulness in thinking of the men and women overseas is appreciated, in some cases more than you could know.
          I have sent pictures of the men (and myself) opening the boxes you packed and sent.  Several of the men who were selected to open the boxes and assist with distribution were soldiers that had not received any personal care packages thus far during our tour.  After 10 months, it was a welcome diversion for them.  They were given first choice of the items sent to us, too.  The pictures do not do justice to the excitement and enjoyment that was being expressed in the room as each box was opened, but I can assure you that the men were indeed cheered.
          My mother informs me that you've been praying for us during our deployment.  We thank you for your spiritual support and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we complete our tour over the next 2 months.  Also, please pray for all our deployed military and contracted US civilians overseas until everyone is able to return home.

Sincerely,
1LT John Patrick Walsh, IV