There are no limits to what children will say in their letters. I think that since they are writing to people they’ll never meet, they say what they’re really thinking. Mike wanted to make sure that I knew what kinds of other people were in his class and writing to me. Letters like this ALWAYS brought a smile to my face when I really would rather frown and be angry. This letter was also from Blytheville, AR.

Dear Soldier,

Hello. My name is Mike and I am writing to you to say say thanks for protecting us and our country. It is a brave thing you are doing. I wish you the best of luck in your endevor.

Well, let me tell you something of my self. I am an 8th grade student and in a class of, well…extremely crazed and mentaly ill people. They are all around nut cases, but I belive they have some sense. When they want to.

I like to read and enjoy a quiet and tranquill atmosphere. I also enjoy classical music, such as Motzart and Beethoven. My favort food is sushi. More specific, sea eel.

Well, write back to me then.

Sincerly,
Michael

Sea eel, eh? Sounds kinda crazed and mentally it to me!! Anyway, that letter came from Mrs. Haywood’s class from a school in Georgia. I got many letters from her class and Mrs. McCall, many of which you’ll see.

I had the opportunity to meet many of these kids when I returned from Iraq. I was invited to an assembly they were holding to honor soldiers. I had the honor to sit in the VIP section and made an honorary Eagle, the school mascot. I was also able to take a few minutes and address the students to let them know what writing to soldiers meant, even if they didn’t get a response. It was a really humbling experience and I was treated far better than I needed to be. The Army had also sent an Army choir to sing some patriotic songs for the school and the JROTC presented the colors, obviously nervous to be around real soldiers.

I can’t get over how much I loved getting letters from kids.