Oak Knoll students learn importance of freedom, sacrifice from trio of inspiring veterans

SUMMIT, NJ, November 17, 2015 – Three veterans whose service took them to Kuwait, Korea and Iraq, brought their message of sacrifice to students at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child last week.

Sgt. Chris Nazdam, a special agent with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, demonstrated investigative tools and methods to sixth graders at Oak Knoll’s coed elementary school.

Sgt. Nazdam also discussed the importance of expressing gratitude to veterans.

“It means a lot to us because this is a big sacrifice – not only for us, but also our families. Saying thank you helps placate some of the pain that we feel,” said Sgt. Nazdam.

Sgt. Nazdam, 46, who joined the army as a reservist at age 37, participated in hundreds of investigations during his tour in Iraq from July 2008 through August 2009.

“It’s important for the kids to get in and stay in touch with what it means to serve for the United States,” he said.

Earlier in the day Robert Manna, a U.S. Army veteran and grandfather of Lower School teacher Michael Manna, also spoke to third graders about what his service taught him.

“I learned to appreciate our freedom,” Robert Manna, 83. “This country has a great deal of freedom and a lot of us take it for granted and think it is automatic, but it is isn’t. It took a lot of veterans and a lot of hard work to keep us free.”

Manna was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in Korea during the three-year conflict as a mechanic and crew chief on an H-19 helicopter transporting men – including wounded soldiers – and supplies.

Robert Manna additionally showed students some photos and invited them to try on his flight jacket.

U.S. Army Capt. Delia Hamlet also visited Oak Knoll kindergarteners, including her daughter Reese, and relayed the importance of servicemen and women in a way the students could understand and appreciate.

Capt. Hamlet, 37, who served in Korea and Kuwait during Operation Enduring Freedom, also let the children try on her beret and taught them how to stand at attention and salute.

Capt. Hamlet’s husband, Brian, also served as a captain in the Marine Corps infantry until 2000.

Kindergarten teacher Caroline Gross said she, like her students, was inspired by the visit.

“I felt overcome with pride that someone who has done so much for our country made such a positive impression on these young children,” said Mrs. Gross. “It is so valuable to instill children with the power and self-esteem that they can be anything they want to be when they grow up.”