Ocean Road Students Help Military Members

At this very moment there is an American soldier, somewhere in the world, snacking on candy or skimming a magazine, or perhaps reading a heartfelt tribute of appreciation, courtesy of the nation's school children.

In recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, schoolchildren from across the country participated in activities and events designed to pay tribute to the men and women who have served the United States.

Common activities at school-based Veterans Day celebrations include writing letters, drawing pictures or assembling care packages to send to men and women serving overseas.

Occasionally, a veteran will even pay a visit to a school in order to help educate students about the significance of the holiday.

s second grade students experienced all of these activities and more at a special Veterans Day program that took place at the school on Nov. 9th.

More than 80 second graders entered the cafeteria in a wave of red, white and blue, carrying shoe boxes bearing patriotic décor. As they filed past tables piled with snacks and candy and assorted items, their eyes became transfixed to the podium where stood a soldier in army fatigues.

As they took to their seats at one of the cafeteria's long tables, the lights were dimmed and the projection screen lowered.

Following a brief educational video about the armed forces and Veterans Day, the students were given the opportunity to pose questions to Iraq war veteran Lance Corporal Mark Helmka.

LCpl. Helmka answered the students’ numerous queries about his experiences as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, from the length of the flight to Iraq to how old a person must be to join the armed forces.

Twenty-five hours and age 18, respectively.

Second grade teacher Alicia Scalabrini then introduced Elena Mahoney, a representative from American Recreational Military Services (ARMS).

"ARMS promotes the patriotic ideals of America by honoring our military and giving thanks for the hardships and sacrifices they and their families make," Mahoney told the students.

"Our organization partners with community groups, schools and local organizations based in Ocean and Monmouth Counties to create and assemble care packages to send to our troops serving overseas, which is what we will be doing today," Mahoney said.

Divided into groups by class, the students alternated filling their shoebox care packages with the snacks, food, toiletries and hygienic products from the tables or composing letters to soldiers or drawing patriotic-themed pictures.

The students retrieved their shoeboxes and proceeded to fill them with the comforts of home.

"These little items bring our soldiers a much needed taste of home, the comforts that we take for granted,” said Mahoney.  “Everything that we are working on today could be in the hands of a soldier as early as next week."

Mahoney said that, depending on donations, ARMS sends packages every Tuesday.

"Today’s activities were the culmination of month-long preparations for Veterans Day,” "said Ocean Road Principal Sheila Buck.

Buck explained that each of the four, second grade classes were assigned a category of items to collect for the care packages.

"Over the last month they have amassed an impressive amount of food, snacks, toiletries and other supplies,” she said.

"Creating and assembling care packages and writing the letters to the troops provides students with a better understanding of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women," said Mrs. Buck.

“But it is LCpl. Helmka’s visit that will likely resonate strongest with the students. Simply by meeting LCpl. Helmka, and having the opportunity to ask him questions about his experiences, helps our students make a personal connection to the armed forces and the importance of Veterans Day."

"When we are far away from home and we receive your letters and packages it means so much," LCpl. Helmka told the students. " To know you are thinking about us brightens our days."

And according to Mahoney, the soldiers will likely be looking for those comforts from home, especially at this time of year.

“These specific packages will be reaching our troops at what can be a difficult time,” she said. ”Being away from home on the holidays can be very rough even on the bravest soldier.”

"As we sit down next week to partake in Thanksgiving festivities, I hope we give pause to thank the brave men and women who will not be enjoying the holiday with their families,” said Principal Buck.

“I believe today’s activities will ultimately help our students develop a deeper sense of appreciation for our troops and the role they play in securing our freedom.”

Since 2003, ARMS has been providing support to members of the military and their families. Headquartered in Eatontown, New Jersey, the organization solicits donations to assemble care packages to soldiers deployed overseas. ARMS also provides direct assistance to the family members of soldiers in time of need.

To find out more about the Point Pleasant School District, visit the district website.