GIs reply to kindergarten care packages

By Katie Evans
Herald/Review

SIERRA VISTA — Tanya Conde has never had her kindergarten class send care packages off with hopes of getting something back.

The Bella Vista Elementary School teacher said she’s been military all her life, going from dependent, to active duty, to a spouse; so sending the care packages was just an important thing to do for her.

Bella Vista Elementary School teacher Tanya Conde, left, and her classroom aide Sarah Paulsen unfurl the American flag that was flown on a combat reconnaissance mission in Iraq. The kindergartners sent care packages to two fathers, whose children are in Conde’s class, who are serving in Iraq. The soldiers sent thank you letters and pictures, along with the flag. (Ed Honda-Herald/Review)

During February’s National Patriotism Week, Conde decided to have her class put together care packages for the dads of two students in her class, both who are fighting in Iraq.

Just recently the class received packages of its own from each soldier, including a flag from 1st Sgt. Craig Muerer that was flown for the class on a combat reconnaissance mission by his Alpha Company, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion.

“That just moved me,” Conde said. “I wanted to cry. I’ve always sent care packages, but I’ve never received something like this.”

Conde asked students to bring in food items to put into the packages, as well as having each student write a letter to one of the soldiers. When Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Gray responded to the care package, he wrote a letter for each of the students he’d received a letter from, as well as sending pictures.

He was very appreciative of the food, Conde said.

“In one of them he wrote back that it helps him from having to eat in one of those yucky chow halls,” she said with a laugh.

All the students were thrilled to get a response from the soldiers.

“It was like riding a motorcycle,” Isaac Hardy, 6, said of getting the American flag. “It was just so cool, it was so big, it was as big as a regular flag.

“Soldiers are very tough, they’re very brave.”

Conde felt this was the perfect way to wrap up the patriotism lessons.

“I think it fit in perfectly,” she said. “We were talking about heroes, national heroes.”

“I don’t think they were really aware of what’s going on,” Conde added. “I think it made them more aware.”

Madison, Muerer’s daughter, said she liked getting to send her dad a care package, who she said she’s very proud of.

“I think he’s my hero,” she said. “Because he fights over the wars, and he’s strong enough to fight over the wars.”