This is about two heroes, one a career officer in the United States armed services, and an American school boy. It all began in February, 2007. Daniel, was a nine year old third grade student in a suburban New Jersey school. As a class assignment he and the rest of his classmates were asked to do some sort of community service. His classmates immediately started picking up errant pieces of paper and other trash on the neighborhood streets, or knocking on neighbors' doors trying to collect money for various good causes. This, was not what Daniel wanted to do. He had decided he wanted to really help someone, an individual, someone he could connect to, not contribute to a cause and never know who benefited from his efforts.
Daniel is a boy who has a mind of his own, he loves people and will help anyone who needs him. He is a really sweet and happy kid.
He talked about the project for a few days with his parents, and finally came up with the idea of writing to someone serving in the Armed Forces far away from home in Iraq. Daniel's parents checked with a number of people as to whether this was a good idea. After all, Iraq was a dangerous place and anyone stationed there could be hurt or mortally wounded. After much consideration, it was decided that Daniel could handle it, so he was encouraged to go ahead.
They got the names of three prospective pen-pals. By the third week Daniel had received only one answer, an e-mail from a career Staff Sergeant, who introduced himself and wrote a short biography of himself. Daniel responded with a letter and another package, this time he included his favorite Teen-Age Ninja Turtle action figure as well as snacks and toiletries. E-mails and letters followed, then there were pictures, Staff Sergeant Gary even took a picture of the Ninja Turtle on the dashboard of his helicopter while it was in flight. There were also pictures of the action figure on the top of the base flagpole.
Daniel was thrilled with the pictures and was becoming a star in his class. Daniel’s mother got a phone call from Sergeant Gary’s wife from their home in Central Florida. She called to say how pleased she was that someone so young would spend time sending packages and letters to her husband. Daniel then received a tee shirt and patches the Sergeant’s wife sent to him.
The friendship continued. On May 14th a package for Daniel arrived. He excitedly opened it and found it contained an American flag that had flown over the base in Iraq. Daniel proudly brought his flag to school and on Thursday, June 14, 2007 it was used in their Flag Day celebration.
Sergeant Gary is a patriot, Daniel is a Patriot in training. He has learned lessons he will have for a lifetime. Congratulations to both heroes, your efforts are deeply appreciated.
