Elementary Students Speak with Active U.S. Armed Forces Officer

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (December 3, 2021) – Sometimes there may be an active or veteran member of the U.S. Armed Forces within a family. For students who have someone in their family that is serving, or has served, it is easy for a child to reference the branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to which their family member belongs, what their uniform may look like, what responsibilities that person may have. Sometimes a child may not know of someone in the U.S. Military Services. In the latter case, understanding and honoring Veterans Day may be a little more removed for an elementary school student.

On November 11, 2021, third-grade students at Mendham Township Elementary School (MTES) received the distinctive honor of speaking with a serving officer of the U.S. Air Force. 2nd Lt. Swathi Samuel is a graduate of the Air Force academy. She is also a family member of two students attending MTES. Joining all third-grade classes at MTES via a video conferencing platform, Samuel described how she had a long-standing goal of joining the military while she was attending school. Even though it meant moving away from her family and her home, she joined the Air Force after graduating high school. She spoke of enjoying her current assignment and having to learn new things, sometimes in a challenging environment. The students leaned in to listen as she added how already she can look back over the last few years and is both quietly proud and surprised by what she has accomplished.

Speaking in a composed voice, the individual classes were quiet and attentive as she outlined the different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their responsibilities. Samuel described how, just like school, the training she receives is so important for being able to do a good job. She explained that gaining a skill does not “just happen,” but rather you have to be patient and put effort into learning something new. Learning how to manage your projects in a timely manner is a key goal for students in third grade, and it is one of the most important skills for members of the Armed Forces to successfully execute their responsibilities. She acknowledged that sometimes she may feel lonely, e.g., during basic training there is limited contact with the outside world, but she feels she has an extended family now as members of her team help each other to meet their goals. Helping one another in school, making sure to include everyone in activities, welcoming someone new to a team, is something we learn at school but will remain important as you go through life.

At the end of the video call, the children had the opportunity to ask questions, including querying 2nd Lt. Swathi Samuel about whether she ever had to assume responsibility and achieve something that was very difficult. Samuel paused, but then continued to speak with the students in an age-appropriate manner, as she explained her pride in “looking after” (serving) her country, her community, and her family. Relating it back to school, she spoke of how a goal may not always be easy, but it can be achieved, and that is why training, practice, and preparation are so important, and to remember to never give up.

The students were absolutely delighted to have met 2nd Lt. Swathi Samuel and gained an appreciation for understanding the contributions provided by members of the military. They were encouraged by her words to always keep trying, no matter how hard, and to always do their best. The students and faculty at Mendham Township Elementary School are very grateful for this opportunity to talk with 2nd Lt. Swathi Samuel and to recognize Veterans Day.

P.S. Students from all grades at Mendham Township School District are currently participating in “Operation Gratitude.” This is a national initiative that allows everyone, young and old, to show their appreciation for “Deployed Troops, Veterans, New Recruits, and First Responders.” Students from all grades are creating handwritten thoughtful notes, cards, and messages, and drawing happy pictures to send to U.S. service personnel around the globe. The school is finalizing its first mailing distribution to be in time for the holidays!