Yeager Middle School Sends BIG Military Thank You; One lucky student Receives Military Thank You Gift from Bahrain

This October, Yeager Middle School seventh-grader Jeremy Barnes joined his fellow Yeager classmates in writing letters of appreciation to U.S. Service Members serving overseas.  Like his peers, Jeremy wrote a heartfelt, handwritten letter expressing his thanks to the members of the armed forces.

In all, Yeager students wrote 286 letters, all delivered to military installations across the globe.  Their massive letter-writing project began as a suggestion from Yeager paraprofessional Virginia Kandy, who suggested they take part in “The Bert’s Show’s Big Thank You.” “The Bert Show” radio host Bert Weiss created the project because he believed every single soldier deployed outside the United States deserved to receive a letter of gratitude on Thanksgiving Day.

After a snow-filled Douglas County weekend, Jeremy and his teacher, Ashleigh Elder returned to the classroom to find a surprise waiting for them. Not only did a service remember take the time to respond to Jeremy’s letter of gratitude, but the service member included a small gift all the way from Bahrain.

U.S. Navy Master at Arms Landan Adams told Jeremy in his letter: “It’s brave and grateful Americans like you that remind is why we’re here. We are happy to serve our country, to provide young men like you safe and hopeful opportunities.…You have represented Yeager Middle School very well. Your teachers should be very proud of you, your family as well.”

U.S. Navy Master at Arms Landan Adams included with his letter a special treat for Jeremy, a special coin that he called a Command Challenge Coin. In his letter, the Navy man says that the red and black coin is only shared with those who show great respect and honor.

Jeremy’s teacher, Ashleigh Elder says Jeremy’s face lit up when he received his letter: “This letter means the world to Jeremy. I am proud of the kind words he shared with our service member.”

Yaeger Middle School Principal Stefanie Stinchcomb says the letter-writing project has been the perfect opportunity for students to salute military members. “I am immensely proud of the work of our students. Through this project, our students have learned that their words have the power to uplift, encourage and inspire. We hope that our students will continue to use their words and their voice to make a difference. “