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More Thank You Letters
We didn't just hear back from the ship's captains. We heard from chaplains, individual sailors, marines that were on the amphibious assault ships, government or civilian workers who were assigned to the ships while on deployment. We'd often have a government or civilian worker write to us and say something like, "I know I'm not a sailor, but your letter touched me. I hope it's okay that I wrote back to you." Of course, it was okay. We enjoyed hearing from all of them. Had we realized that these other folks were also on deployment, we would have been sure to include them in our original letters.
The great part about this pen pal project is the friendships that formed between students and grown-ups. The students definitely learned that grown-ups and military people have time for them, and are interested in them. What a nice lesson to learn!
The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Peterson DD-969, January 24, 1995:
As I read your letter, I couldn't help but think of how similar our professions are. Both you and I are enriched by the daily influences we have over so many young people. Next to God and my family, I cherish the young men of my crew more than anything else. As their teacher and student, I am constantly amazed at their limitless abilities and professionalism. To be able to lead them as they grow, both personally and professionally, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. On behalf of the nation's military, I salute your positive influence in educating Schenectady's young people.
Commander M. A. Outten
commanding officer
USS Peterson DD - 969
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In a follow up letter from Commander Outten, March 11, 1995:
Your letter, once again, made me gratefully aware of the efforts of America's teachers. I plan to incorporate your "five finger test" in the reading habits of my two daughters, ages 15 and 11. I certainly know the value of being well read. . .
Commander M. A. Outten
commanding officer
USS Peterson DD - 969
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The following is a quote from a Navy admiral, Command Region Six, December 9, 1989:
First of all, let me say how much I enjoyed meeting you during your visit to Norfolk in September. You contributions to the Navy have been far reaching and exceptionally meaningful. Most importantly, the understanding and support of the Navy you have instilled in your students at the Iroquois Middle School contribute so very much to the future of our country and its national security.
I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead, knowing you will always maintain your extraordinary enthusiasm for those who serve their country at home and abroad.
Rear Admiral James J. Carey
Commander, Naval Reserve Readiness
Command Region Six
Washington, DC
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The following is a quote from a lieutenant on the USS Thomas C. Hart FF-1092, February 7,1991:
The crew of the USS Thomas C. Hart thank you for the letters from your students. While out to sea, letters from home are a great relief from the stress of day to day operations, especially during times like these. Support from home keeps the crew's resolve strong. We appreciate your support for what we believe is the right thing to do. . . Once again, I thank you very much for your interest. We will be looking forward to corresponding with you, SHIPMATE!
Lt. Gregory M. Palmer
public affairs officer
USS Thomas C. Hart FF-1092
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The following is a quote from a lieutenant on the USS Simpson FFG-56, February 1,1996:
I was pleased to learn of your class project to write sailors deployed overseas for the holidays. . . It was a pleasure to read through the letters. It was obvious that many of your students were excited about this project and poured their hearts and souls into writing us. I'm sure that their letters brightened the crew's day with their energy, youth, and innocence. It was a welcome break form a hectic schedule to relax and answer some of their questions.
Lt. Mark C. Switzer
navigator
USS Simpson FFG-56
================================================================================================= The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Normandy CG-60, January 11, 1998:
Thanks so much for the wonderful outpouring of support for USS Normandy sailors that you have shown throughout the years. Your ongoing letter writing campaign to deployed ships is remarkable. I have distributed the letters to the crew and I think you can look forward to several responses in the near future. . . I owe a special debt of gratitude for the personal energy and focus that you pour into this project year after year. Your efforts are profoundly giving.
Captain J. F. Deppe
commanding officer
USS Normandy CG-60
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Scott DDG-995, January 7, 1994:
Navigating the last leg of our journey, USS Scott is now on the last 30 days of our six month deployment. It is reassuring to me as the SCOTT's commanding officer, to know that fine, young Americans such as your students were thinking of those servicemen who are serving their country in far away places. More importantly, your actions confirmed to the men of the SCOTT that they were not forgotten.
Captain D. A. Russell
commanding officer
USS Scott DDG-995
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The following is a quote from the captain of the Command One, Scotia, NY, May 15, 1989:
This is in response to the Navy Four Day Appreciation Event when the Sea Knight helicopter and its crew flew to our school from Norfolk:
Dear Carol,
What a great time! I know for a fact that all hands left with a deep sense of warmth and pride. I just talked to CDR Gangeware and he said the squadron ready room was buzzing with excitement about the trip to Niskayuna.
You did a superb job. It was most evident to me that you planned, resourced, delegated, and executed like that of a professional. I, for one, was very proud to be part of the events. . .
We need to build on this movement - I and my staff stand ready to assist. Job well done!
Captain C. E. Brooks
commander
Navy Recruiting Area One
There were thousands of letters from individual sailors and marines, thanking the students for what they did. Marines were on the amphibious assault ships, and our letters were sent to them also.
The following is a quote from a sailor onboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, February 15, 1983:
One can hardly identify with the loneliness of serving overseas aboard ship without having experienced it. Being alone in a crowd is not a figure of speech, but a way of life. Each mail call is a bit of home, a very significant event of "a day in the life." It can also be traumatic when nothing is forthcoming. For this reason, your concern and letters are greatly appreciated.
W. R. Klemm
sailor
USS John F. Kennedy CV -67
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The following is a quote from a sailor onboard the USS Wisconsin BB-64, March 10, 1991:
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the Freihofer's chocolate chip cookies. I grew up on Freihofers. I was very excited and happy when I saw those brown boxes. I must say that I had quite a few cookies. I was bragging to everybody that the cookies were from home.
Your thought and concern are very much appreciated. You made this sailor's day! Thank you.
Michael Rosenblatt
lieutenant
USS Wisconsin BB-64
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