Have you read the letter where a Student thanks veterans for classroom lessons?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 07:40:35 -0500

Have you read the letter where a Student thanks veterans for classroom lessons?

RP Members and Connections here is another one of the questions lost out in the RallyPoint Space, but it's an excellent read.

Even though Veteran's Day has past, RP Members this is a very touching letter! Enjoy

The following letter was written by a sixth grade student at Kennedy Middle School as part of their informed action unit in social studies. A small group of students wanted to share their feelings about Veterans Day after listening to a presentation from three local veterans on Nov. 10:

I never knew how important it was to honor a veteran until today. Mr. Wayne White, Mr. Lou Urso, and Mr. David Brennan came to visit my school and gave a wonderful presentation about their years of military service during the Vietnam War. Their fascinating stories of combat and training show me great examples about what it means to be a true American.

During Army veteran Wayne White’s presentation, I learned a very fascinating story of his military training. He said he had to get on his back and crawl through a misture of mud and snow while dodging barbed wires. If he stood up, the large supply of machine guns sitting on the sides of the pit would pierce a bullet into his skin. Also, if he crawled in the wrong spot, bombs would explode and end his training. He gritted his teeth and made it all the way through. This definitely showed me a great example of perseverance.

During Army veteran Lou Urso’s presentation, I learned many interesting stories about his service in Vietnam. One story that stood out to me was for four hours straight he continued to go into enemy lines and rescued many soldiers. While doing this, he go shot in the knee, and the injury wasn’t even noticed undil another soldier noced the blood on his bulky combat boots. Mr. Urso earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for this incredible feat of sacrifice to help his fellow countrymen. I learned what real bravery is because of Mr. Urso’s story.

While listening to Air Force veteran David Brennan, one of his stories really stuck out to me. After training with his military dog, Tammy, for many months, Tammy was assigned to go to Vietnam but Mr. Brennan wasn’t. So, he decided to volunteer so he could be with Tammy. This example of friendship was inspiring because Mr. Brennan risked his life to be with Tammy.

These examples of perseverence, bravery, and friendship showed me what traits you learn in the military. I was so happy to have these wonderful local veterans come to Kennedy Middle School. Once again, thank you to veterans Mr. White, Mr. Urso, and Mr. Brennan.

I am grateful that they fought for our freedom and made it home safely. This is why it’s important to honor veterans.

Matthew Morgan, Mrs. Amy Perry’s class

Dustin Beardslee Gary Eulenfeld Cpl Rick Rabenold GySgt Tony Pantoja CPO Lou Oliver TSgt Jeff Sukeforth PO3 Private RallyPoint Member MSG Robert Lee LCDR Private RallyPoint Member MSG Charles Turner CPL Chris Jacob PV2 Private RallyPoint Member SPC John Geary 1SG Leon Espe MSG Louis Alexander PVT Iven Clark Jr.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 28 at 2015 8:15 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 08:15:55 -0500

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 28 at 2015 8:32 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 08:32:00 -0500

Great story! Thanks for posting it.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 28 at 2015 8:43 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 08:43:07 -0500

Dear Matthew, You are very mature for your age.
Though I was not in Vietnam, I thank you exceedingly for honoring the veterans that came to your classroom. Even though I was never in Vietnam, and even though I never saw combat (I was stationed in Germany and Washington State; during the Cold War.): You honor all of us veterans; when you honor my Brothers.
Thank you, Matthew, for honoring all of us veterans who have protected and defended this great country of ours.
Very Sincerely, Specialist Margaret C Higgins US Army Retired
c/o: COL Mikel Burroughs

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 28 at 2015 11:13 AM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 11:13:02 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs No, not till you posted it. It's a great story...One of which I believe we should hear many more of....

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 28 at 2015 8:37 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 20:37:32 -0500

Beautiful...

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Nov 28 at 2015 9:43 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 21:43:55 -0500

Yes, I did.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Nov 28 at 2015 9:44 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 21:44:18 -0500

Yes, I did.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 29 at 2015 1:56 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 13:56:25 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs until you mentioned it, I had not read the letter which sixth grade student Matthew Morgan at Kennedy Middle School thanks veterans for classroom lessons.
It is gratifying to know that Matthew Morgan was moved by the testimonies of Army veteran Wayne White, Army veteran Lou Urso, and Air Force veteran David Brennan.
Hopefully many young people are grateful that military servicemembers and veterans fought for their freedom

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2015 6:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 18:27:48 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Great tribute to our veterans. Thanks for sharing. My daughter in law is a middle school teacher and she brought me about 50-60 individual "thank you" veterans letters which I will give to the Vetetans at our Houston VA when we visit on December 22 to hand out gifts to all the hospital and mental health vets.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 29 at 2015 9:06 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 21:06:40 -0500

Thanks for the post. Glad to hear some of the younger generation still really care.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 18 at 2016 11:31 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 11:31:31 -0500

I love and cherish the Letters from Corinth Grade School I sent them all my Memorabilia for their Veterans Day Program and they sent back some wonderful letters of thanks.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 11:55 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 11:55:34 -0500

That is a good heartwarming story sir. This young man may one day join the military, or at least be a supporter of men and women in uniform.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Feb 20 at 2016 12:53 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 12:53:43 -0500

Great story Sir,my unit serving in Vietnam 1966 also received letters from middle school students during our tour I am sorry I can't remember from what school or state but we all really appreciated their questions and concerns for our welfare and their letters were answered by all of us.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 9 at 2018 7:35 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 07:35:42 -0500

Excellent letter share COL.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Feb 9 at 2018 11:01 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 23:01:30 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Tear time. As a teacher, I am so proud of this young man.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Feb 10 at 2018 6:51 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 06:51:46 -0500

Sometimes children can frame things in the most basic ways. Future looks bright....

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Feb 10 at 2018 10:04 AM

Sgt Randy Wilber — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 10:04:49 -0500

Great share COL Mikel J. Burroughs I enjoyed reading this young man's letter we have a young Patriot.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Feb 10 at 2018 12:45 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 12:45:05 -0500

Wonderful young man!

Response by PO3 Jacob Jenkins made Feb 10 at 2018 4:11 PM

PO3 Jacob Jenkins — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 16:11:33 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs wow what a powerful message from a 6th grader! So much wisdom from such a young person. Respect for our veterans has been lost throughout the years. Especially the Vietnam era Vets. They did so many things that many could never imagine. I am sure that most of them are still kept up at night thinking back on what they witnessed. The ignorance of the world that the only thing you learn in the military is how to kill is what is preventing Veterans from finding success after service. I just hope that one day Veterans can again walk with pride without the negative perception from the rest of the country. Mathew I salute you and your letter gives me hope that the generation coming behind me will not be completely blinded by the perception America has today.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Feb 10 at 2018 5:24 PM

SPC Daniel Rankin — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:24:02 -0500

Thank you Matthew for giving an honor to soldiers that were not recognized for their service when they first came home. At least not by most people. There were a few of us that did and for that I think you have the right idea and hope that you can spread this idea to others and let them know the courage it takes to do what these soldiers had to do.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 10 at 2018 5:38 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:38:07 -0500

Great stories. This is the stuff that really impacts our young people especially as many don't know anyone who has served or is serving.

Response by SFC Joseph Dunphy made Feb 10 at 2018 5:46 PM

SFC Joseph Dunphy — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:46:29 -0500

Thank you for posting. The torch is being passed between generations, as the WWII, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam, Vietnam Era, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan vets are aging out, or eventially will. Which is why teaching moments like these count. Someone has to keep the torch going.

Response by PO3 William Carrien made Feb 10 at 2018 5:51 PM

PO3 William Carrien — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:51:14 -0500

My hat is off to the veterans even getting into the school and the kids, teachers and administration for allowing them in. Would not happen here in Concord, NH.
Thanks for the share Col.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 10 at 2018 6:04 PM

LTC John Griscom — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 18:04:45 -0500

I have found that many teenagers are interested in learning more about veterans and their stories. Teachers in my area gave assignments for students to interview veterans and write reports on what they learned.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 10 at 2018 7:27 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 19:27:40 -0500

Wow amazing touching story thanks for Sharing COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by MSgt Walter Clack made Feb 10 at 2018 7:29 PM

MSgt Walter Clack — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 19:29:24 -0500

Matthew your heartfelt thanks means a lot more than you may ever realize. Semper Fi

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 10 at 2018 7:31 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 19:31:36 -0500

I was a substitute teacher at an elementary school and the kids were full of questions. One young man asked me if I had always wanted to be a Teacher. I said no I wanted to be a soldier and a cop. He asked why I wasn't doing one of those. Trying not to go into to much detail I explained that I went to arrest a drug dealer which caused me to be wounded ending my chances in both. The young man asked if he could hug me and told me thanks. I have a lot of faith in these young people that our future will be just fine!

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 7:38 PM

PO2 Kevin Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 19:38:35 -0500

My oldest daughters class sent a box of thank you letters to me to give out in my division. I wish I would have kept a few. It was a really good feeling it gave us. That's the only time I'd seen them before. Then when I retired and became a DOD Contractor and deployed with a Army Chemical unit to Afghanistan I saw them with just about every mail call. It was great seeing the young soldiers cheer up for a bit when they came in. I know quite a few that wrote back to the class or the student throughout the deployment. It's a good thing that the people back home kept up the teachings of our children of honoring our Vets. I'm not so sure it happens as much today.

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Feb 10 at 2018 8:08 PM

SFC Ronald Moore — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 20:08:19 -0500

Outstanding

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Feb 10 at 2018 10:05 PM

CPT Scott Sharon — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 22:05:07 -0500

That's great! I'm very happy to read that.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Feb 11 at 2018 2:04 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 02:04:12 -0500

What a great kid. If only more kids these days (not to mention their teachers) shared his attitude and appreciation.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Feb 11 at 2018 6:19 AM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 06:19:49 -0500

Unfortunately students like the one who wrote this letter are very few and far in between these days. Its examples like this one that give us hope for our younger generations to come. Awesome, great read.

Response by Sgt Vance Bonds made Feb 11 at 2018 9:31 AM

Sgt Vance Bonds — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 09:31:09 -0500

I truly love these stories

Response by Dennis Aubuchon made Feb 11 at 2018 12:38 PM

Dennis Aubuchon — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 12:38:07 -0500

This is a great example that should be shared across the country. It is a message that seems to be lost with the media and in some cases the politicians. It provides experiences that our military endure throughout their military career. It is one of the reasons we must honor our military those serving today, those that have served and those that will serve in the future. We need to provide all the resources they need to keep them safe and support their commitment to our way of life. The Federal government should also provide the resources and the support each and every day.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made Feb 11 at 2018 6:03 PM

SSG Jeffrey Leake — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 18:03:54 -0500

It's great to know that Veterans and their stories can have a positive impact on the younger generation. It helps restore some of my faith in them. Currently there are parents that demonize us. It's not the same world a lot of us grew up in. I come from a military family. My father was a Regimental Sergeant Major that retired after thirty two years of service. My mom was a WM, my sister is in the Navy Reserves, oldest brother retired from the Coast Guard, next oldest served ten years in the Air Force, and I joined the Army in 1990 and joined the Guard in 2001 after 911 As a Grunt.

Response by SGT James Clark made Feb 17 at 2018 2:06 PM

SGT James Clark — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 14:06:37 -0500

Love this letter and this student, also proud of his parents for raising him to have respect. I also would like to thank the veterans that went to school and put this program on our children now days are not taught history like we were taught.

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made May 1 at 2018 4:04 AM

SP5 Jeannie Carle — Tue, 01 May 2018 04:04:11 -0400

I had never read that before! Swells my heart <3 What a wonderful young man - and really articulate! Mrs Amy Perry, I have to say, is one of the "great" teachers one hears about :-)

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made May 2 at 2018 11:53 AM

SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson — Wed, 02 May 2018 11:53:58 -0400

The life of a soldier/veteran is a difficult, thankless, and sometimes even deadly one. My decision to enlist was based solely for the reason that some people would but can't, and others just won't. I loved America (still kinda do) and I wanted to serve for those who have and can no longer, for those who would but can't, and for those who just won't but expect someone to. Appreciation for prior service is not necessary, but is gratefully accepted with a "your most welcome" response. When I enlisted I was just a teenager (a kid if you will) but I saw the honor, valor, and pride not to mention the training involved. I wanted to be a part of something great. Seeing children no matter what age have an appreciation for soldiers/veterans only adds to my sense of pride for this country and what we who have served have instilled in them.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2020 10:48 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 22:48:18 -0500

What an awesome story/remembrance by a young 6th grade student...

Response by PO2 Cyrus Barberia made Nov 12 at 2020 12:46 AM

PO2 Cyrus Barberia — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:46:06 -0500

What a great letter this young man shows respect for what he heard from the soldiers that gave this speak at his school he teaches us all lesson on how people should be treated for the things they've done. I did not serve in Vietnam or combat but I was in during that era how soldiers were treated when they got home myself included my hats off to this young man and his parents were teaching him to show such respect and his teacher for having them coming to speak to the class