Student Leaders Send Letters to Soldiers

Student Leaders at Washington Irving Intermediate School had a special guest join their May 3 meeting. Dan Rayburn, best known for being one of the foremost authorities, speakers, and writers on streaming media technology, is a former U.S. Air Force soldier who is embedded with the U.S. Special Forces and focuses on the mental health of soldiers called the Green Berets.

Mr. Rayburn explained to the class that being a leader has a lot to do with how you treat people and the relationships you have with them.

“Everyday, I'm absolutely humbled by the relationships I have, the brotherhood within the Special Forces Regiment,” said Mr. Rayburn. “I learned young that generosity is the key to success.”

Students were eager to hear his stories, asking him questions about his favorite places he has ever visited in the world and the most interesting part of his job. To which he replied “Chile, because it’s incredibly beautiful and the mountains were amazing.” He then added that he “always found the medical field interesting because it helps others.”

Halfway through his talk with students he pulled out a bag, which the students anxiously awaited to see what was inside. Mr. Rayburn then pulled three items: night vision goggles known as Night Optical/Observation Device (NODS), a pair of ear protectors, and a Jumpable Plate Carrier.

“With the night vision you actually get to see in the dark. It makes any outside light glow white,” Mr. Rayburn explained.

After describing what each item does and how it helps soldiers stay safe in the field, he allowed the students to try them on.

“I think it’s really awesome, it’s really interesting to see things from an expert's point of view and I never thought I would see anything in night vision,” said fifth-grader Beatrice B. “When I had the headphones I could hear stuff from across the room.” She jokingly added “I now have sympathy for my dog.”

After the show and tell portion of the meeting Mr. Rayburn spoke to students about how he helps Special Forces soldiers by lending them the support they need, whether it’s helping them better understand finances or by just listening.

“Mr. Rayburn has been visiting our school for several years now and each time we have made cards for him to distribute to soldiers,” said fourth-grade teacher Viola Santelia-Miculcy. “Sometimes we put funny jokes in them to make them happy.”

Mr. Rayburn stated that he distributes approximately 175 handmade cards each holiday season to Special Forces soldiers all around the world and that it helps with the social and emotional support he provides the soldiers.

Third-grade Special Education Teacher Jamie Stasiuk agreed that the cards have a positive impact on others and that the students taking part in making the cards helps them realize the impact they have on others.

“We’re trying to help them to be leaders not only in our school and our community, but also in our world,” said Ms. Stasiuk.

Mr. Rayburn ended the meeting by handing Mrs. Santelia-Miculcy and Ms. Stasiuk each a challenge coin from the 5th Special Forces Group, a coin designed to honor service members and their families. He then provided them with a brief history of the coins and how they are utilized today.

“I’ve had the privilege of being given roughly 150 challenge coins and they all tell a story. It’s a way for the soldiers to say thank you. The two I gave out are on behalf of all the Special Forces soldiers that have benefited from the students cards and well wishes,” said Mr. Rayburn. “They are meant to be displayed proudly for all to see.”