"Soldier Anyone Package"

Anyone who works in a school today or follows the edublogging community knows that our kids are wired a bit differently. They expect to use technology from the time they wake up, throughout the school day, and during their down time . They are gamers, social media consumers and texting feigns. But one thing we may not always discuss is that our students have grown up in a world when the United States has been at war nearly all their lives. As educators we must create the appropriate opportunities for our students to appreciate the hard work, effort, and sacrifice a soldier experiences each and every day. The working day of a soldier is not what is portrayed in any video game our kids play. Our students need to experience the human element of deployment. I am grateful that a few of our teachers created the opportunity to help our soldiers while teaching a valuable lesson to our kids.

Last night at 2:25 am I received and email regarding a few packages our students mailed overseas. The packages were put together by our Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America (FCCLA) students during the week of our Veterans Day Assembly and addressed to "Soldier Anyone Package". The email states,

"Mr. Gallwitz,

First let me introduce myself, my name is Jim Wood and I am a Chief Master Sargent currently serving in Baghdad, Iraq, commonly referred to by many as "Chief". I am currently serving with the 447 ELRS (Expeditionary Logistic Readiness Squadron), we are coordinating all of the air and ground movements out of our location.  Today when leaving the dining facility I was stop by one of our mail folks who asked if I would like to have a "Solider Anyone Package".  Upon opening the package I discovered a couple of Christmas cards with your schools Veterans Day2011 post card inside; the 2 cards included in the box were signed by Cody and Salina K.

The contents in the package brought smiles to a number of folks here at my current location.  The time and effort that were placed into putting this and I am sure other packages together is very much appreciated by all. The decorations will go nicely on our tree, picture included. Our current tree is made out of MREs, (Meal Ready To Eat) by to of our folks who are very creative. I have also added a couple of other pictures that you may wish to share with others or the school. The one group shot is at Al Faw Palace where the official turn over of the Victory Base Complex took place, I am sure it was on the news the Vice President was here to speak.

The mission here is just about finished and we all look forward to getting home to our families as soon as possible.  However we understand it is not complete until all the folks are home. 

Once again thank the school for the package.

Chief Wood

Jim Wood, CMSgt, USAF

447 ELRS/CEM

Sather AB

Baghdad Iraq"

Thank you to everyone involved in this project. I hope it helped lighten they day for a soldier and made their time overseas a bit more enjoyable. Your work is greatly appreciated.

Chief Master Sargent Wood, you and your group have become the face of our "Soldier Anyone Package". I want to personally thank you and the men and women serving with you. Thank you for being defenders of freedom. Thank you for your work, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears. Thank you for being an American soldier. I wish you and all of the 447 ELRS a Merry Christmas and a speedy safe return home.