Holiday Elementary School displays appreciation for Bastogne Soldiers

Photo By Sgt. Richard Daniels Jr. | Holiday Elementary students offer their poems and drawings to Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Hopkinsville, Ky., June 3. The students wanted to show their patriotism and appreciation to Fort Campbell Soldiers.  

UNITED STATES

06.03.2009

Story by Spc. Richard Daniels Jr. 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

Students of Holiday Elementary School celebrated Military Appreciation Day with Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Hopkinsville, Ky., June 3.

"No Slack" Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment paid a visit to the school children who were eager to hear about what their lives are like in the Army.

"I think it's very educational and informative," said Jami Gagnon a fourth grade math teacher. "Most of the kids in this school don't have a parent in the military. This allows them to experience what its like," she said.

Holiday students showed much curiosity and asked detailed questions such as, "what type of weapons do you use" and "how old do you have to be to join."

We enjoyed how the Soldiers gave answers appropriate for the students age, said Gagnon.
After the question and answer session, Holiday students presented "No Slack" Soldiers with homemade gifts such as posters and poems.

"It's refreshing to see kids that are so patriotic, so supportive; singing songs to us and making posters," said Cpl. David Granger, Bravo Company, "No Slack."

"No Slack" Soldiers also offered words of wisdom and some practical advice to the students.
"Try to get the best grades you possibly can. Go through college the best way you can. Give everything your best effort," said Cpl. Jed Norman, a "No Slack" team leader.

At the end of the day, students gave thanks to their heroes on their last day of school.

"It was a great opportunity," said Norman. "I wanted them to know they don't have to be afraid to come and talk to a military member. I also wanted to provide information to elementary students about jobs in the military and that it can be a career for them," he said.

• Date Taken: 06.03.2009
• Date Posted: 06.08.2009 13:11
• Story ID: 34725
• Location: US