Your local elementary school penpals

I was thinking about our recent conversation about the letters to "any soldier" and I wanted to share something I experienced the year my son was in Iraq. The children in the 4th and 5th grade classes I was teaching art to, really enjoyed writing letters and drawing pictures for my son and his buddies. It gave them a sense of connectedness with what was going on in the world, and a sense that they, as Americans were at war and could make a difference for those fighting that war. I know that there are many civilians that would be willing to step up if we engaged them. My focus in life has often been children. We have mentioned that children are not as aware of the war in the way past generations have been. There is limited access to helping programs, and everything is politicized rather that our country pulling together.

For those who have a loved one who would enjoy getting some REAL mail (kids only do real) this may be something you can go to your local elementary schools for. Give the teachers and children an outlet . You offer to mail the cards, letters and drawings (so you can have the laughs first). Have the teacher call you about when to pick them up. Perhaps you can have a photo of your soldier in that classroom for the year. I know the 4th and 5th graders I had, prayed for my son daily and sent several packages of cards and letters which were shared around with his friends.

These letters included requests for pet scorpions, a newspaper that a creative young lady illustrated and filled with articles, jokes and a note of appreciation. At the end of the newspaper, she asked that if they liked her newspaper, would they please send it along to the General. (I am very interested to see where that kid goes in life!) They drew pictures of what they thought being a soldier was like. I explained that the soldiers were probably too busy to answer lots of letters, but my son wrote one letter to be read to the whole class. The highlight was my sons return ,and school visit in uniform, neither he nor they, will ever forget it. Just an idea that really turns out so good for all involved.