a special package from the Middle East Students in Amy Stoker's and Chris Albrecht's fourth-grade classes at Brockport's Hill Elementary School, recently received a special care package from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 62 (VR-62). Students in Mrs. Stoker's class have a special connection to the fleet because Classroom Aide Doris Boyst's son, Kyle Boyst, is a Petty Officer 3rd Class for the fleet. The students had a chance to meet Boyst when he visited them in December while home on leave. Students began contacting the squadron in February by sending Valentine's cards. They later sent Easter cards and letters, along with a disposable camera to the squadron, based in Maine. The students were unaware that the squadron had been deployed to the Middle East to take an active role in Operation Iraqi Freedom until they received a package in April. In the package was a letter from the squadron, a photo album including pictures from the Middle East, an Arabic phone book, examples of currency, and stickers of their squadron logo. The students feel like they know the soldiers though their photographs and letters. "I just want to thank them for putting their lives at stake for our country," said fourth-grader Mary Grim. "I want to thank them for taking the time out of their busy day to write us," said fourth-grader Jessica Herzog. "We take our freedom for granted, but they are out serving our country." The squadron described in a letter to students about their long workdays. A typical day for the soldiers starts at 6 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m., sometimes later depending on the mission. The students and their teachers will have a chance to thank the soldiers for everything they sent and for all they do for the country through recorded messages on a videotape they are putting together. |
