Embedded Files
Thank You Letters From
Over the years, students have received heartfelt letters from the Navy. We saved every one of them, and they were photocopied and sent home with each student. We never realized the impact our letters would have on our fellow Americans on long deployments.
Sometimes, sailors, when they returned to the states, would drive to our school to meet their pen pals. They'd come from great distances, just to say thank you and talk to the students. Long lasting friendships were formed between students and sailors. And, these friendships lasted long after the students left Mrs. LaRow's English class.
Other times, when the ships came to ports in New York City, Staten Island, or Boston, the captains would call Mrs. LaRow and ask if she could bring the students to the ships to meet their pen pals. We chartered buses, made huge signs, baked cookies, practiced our musical instruments, learned Navy songs by heart, and traveled to meet our pen pals. We sang Anchors Aweigh and America The Beautiful when we arrived, and the Navy toured us around their ships and gave us steel beach picnics. What a treat!
The following is a quote from the executive officer of the USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58, February 22, 1993:
We did not receive your holiday greetings until late in January due to a mix up in our mail. But, when we did receive them, I had to let you know that it sounded very familiar to me. I was Weapons Officer on the USS Conyngham in 1987 when the USS Stark was hit with an Iraqi missile and 37 sailors were killed. . . I remember very well not only the firefight that lasted for over a day, as we tried to keep the Stark afloat, and the mood that came over the crew the next few days. Nobody wanted to talk about what had happened. I suppose a lot of the young men were afraid that letting their emotions out would have been seen as a sign of weakness. I do remember seeing our men reading your students letters. Wherever I walked on the ship, there was one of my men with one of your students' letters. It gave me goosebumps. I also know that our men were writing letters back to your students. I know for a fact that it helped a lot of them a great deal to be able to tell someone about how they were feeling about the USS Stark incident.
Back in the Persian Gulf six years later, as executive officer of another ship, I do occasionally think of that last cruise here, but your letters really brought back to mind a lot of the emotions of April 1987. I can say that the letters were an important part in helping those 18 year olds deal with something they will remember for the rest of their lives. . . We would enjoy trying to speak to your students via Navy satellite and short wave radio. . .
Lieutenant Commander Jerry Makarian
executive officer
USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Bainbridge CGN-25, February 27, 1987:
Within an hour, all your students' letters were taken by sailors eager to respond to your interest and caring. I know many of the crew have already sent letters back to your students. Thank you, again, for your thoughtfulness and for brightening the daily routine of many sailors far away from home.
Captain J.T. Gilmartin
commanding officer
USS Bainbridge CGN-25
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Yellowstone AD-41, January 25, 1989:
The morale of the USS Yellowstone's crewmembers skyrocketed when we received the heartwarming letters from your seventh graders. The students' thoughts were very imaginative, and it was a pleasure to read each and every one of them before I passed them out to my crew. I wanted to answer each one, but I didn't want to deprive my crew of the pleasure. These letters opened the eyes of many who now realize that there are a number of ways to look at different situations.
You and your students have done a great service for the US Navy. These letters showed that someone cares that we are away from our loved ones and want to help us through the times when we are the loneliest. You and your students have brought a great deal of cheer to my sailors. It's remarkable how a simple letter can be so powerful. Thank you for your support and all you have done for the crew.
Captain R.J. Norman
commanding officer
USS Yellowstone AD-41
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Yellowstone AD-41, January 25, 1994:
Note: We often do ships more than one time. This letter is same ship as above, only five years later.
Wow and thanks! Or, maybe I should say thanks and wow! The warm and moving letters and drawings from your students arrived at the right time. Your holiday package of cheer was received when we arrived in our first port of call, Gaeta, Italy. It made it a very special "mail call" for all of us.
I really enjoyed reading the history of how you and your classes started writing to Navy ships that were gone for the holidays. It was especially interesting that your classes have written to the crew of USS Yellowstone before. We put your banners up on the mess decks and set the letters our for everyone to see. Before we could pass the word on the P.A. system, the letters were gone! I hope our return letters convey the appreciation and thanks I saw in the faces of my crew. You all started our year off on a great note!!! Well done, shipmates.
Captain R. C. Berning
commanding officer
USS Yellowstone AD-41
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Anzio CG-68, January 27, 1995:
I had pre-briefed the crew on your project, and they were looking forward to receiving them. In fact, when I announced over our speaker system that they had arrived, a line of sailors had formed before I had finished talking, and every letter was handed out. They were a hit to say the least.
Again, thank your students for their support of the men of the USS Anzio and the Navy in general. Most importantly, thank you for your most impressive efforts to teach our young men and women a respect for their nation and the sailors that serve her. Words are inadequate to express the difference you are making. God bless.
Captain Philip Balisle
commanding officer
USS Anzio CG-68
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Butte AE-27, January 25, 1994:
I appreciate the effort you must yearly put forth to keep your letter writing project moving and am delighted BUTTE can play a small part in it. My crew enjoyed reading the many letters; your 6th and 7th graders are extremely articulate. It was very nice to have the opportunity to read them and get outside our very confined and focused life onboard a deployed Naval ship and rediscover the world of adolescence. Thank you for all your efforts.
Commander David W. Wood
commanding officer
USS Butte AE-27
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Detroit AOE-4, January 27, 1991:
Desert Storm Deployment:
Cookies sent to supply ship with request to deliver to other pen pal ships:
And what to my wondering eyes should appear but a ship and a helicopter and 2,000 boxes of chocolate chip cookies. It just goes to show you what a little caring concern, lots of love on the part of a lot of young people, and the power of modern Navy logistics can do. Hurrah for you and for the wonderful students of Iroquois, for the Freihofer Baking Company, and for a lot of great folks in between. Everything arrived in great shape, marvelous really, for how far it had traveled over the last few days. You can imagine how I felt when the commanding officer of the USS Sylvania called me on his radio yesterday evening, and said, "Hey, Detroit. I'm not sure what I've got here, but it's several pallets labeled cookies. Who do you know anyhow?" Needless to say, I quickly dispatched one of my helicopters over to the Sylvania, and in short order, I had them onboard.
The cookies had just come in on a Navy plane via Sicily. So, they were on their way to us with almost no delay. Good service; now, my job is to take care of the rest of the ships. But, first, ahhh, nothing like a fresh chocolate chip cookie and a hot cup of coffee. (Well, maybe two cookies, but I'm watching my weight.)
New subject: We are also knocked out by the marvelous letters from all your students. I have taken the liberty of assigning my chaplain, Lt. Greg Williams, as my liaison officer, and he has taken care of the distribution of the letters throughout the crew. I already know that many have been answered.
Captain M. B. Edwards
commanding officer
USS Detroit AOE-4
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Barney DDG-6, February 8, 1990:
Desert Storm Deployment:
Reading your letters was simply an inspiration. There are over 300 of us out here. . . The letters from your students were proof to the men onboard that the folks back home haven't forgotten about them. It shows that there are many, both young and old, who are grateful for the continuing defense we provide this country, and the constant sacrifice that defense demands. To me and my men, that was very cheering. It's wonderful to know that you are not forgotten, that what you do is important to others besides yourself and your family.
Commander J. F. Nemec
commanding officer
USS Barney DDG-6
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The following is a quote from the captain of the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8, Naval Air Station, Norfolk, VA. June 1, 1989:
Note: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 was onboard the USS Santa Barbara when we wrote letters. The crew of the helicopter flew a Navy SeaKnight helicopter from Norfolk, VA, to Niskayuna, NY, to thank the students for their letters. Officers from other pen pal ships, homeported in Norfolk, accompanied the pilots to our school to represent their ships. Fourteen officers came from Norfolk. Navy News covered the event.
The following was from a letter written to the school principal after the squadron visited our school. We had a four day, Navy Appreciation Event. The town council, board of education, police and fire departments attended also.
After talking with LCDR Mawhinney and his men, I find that it is I who should be extending the thank you. The superb and gracious support provided by your school children and the entire community cannot be overstated. All my men raved about the spirit of participation and pride they experienced during this truly memorable weekend.
I can't stress enough the importance of the support and caring expressed by you and your community. It gives those of us in the military a sense of purpose and a strong desire to continue in the service of this great nation of ours. You can be justifiably proud of your community. A very special thanks, of course, must go to Mrs. LaRow. Her hard work and dedication gave my men a trip they will long remember and cherish.
Commander R. R. Gangewere
commanding officer
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Simpson FFG-56, April 23, 1992:
I was delighted to read through the letters and see how hard your 7th graders worked on them. The amount of care and time each student put in just to make a sailor smile is clearly evident.
Projects like yours help keep morale high while we are on deployment. It is great for the crew to be reminded that the people back home care about what they are doing. You have my greatest respect.
Commander H. J. Sanford
commanding officer
USS Simpson FFG-56
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The following is a quote from Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two, February 18, 1988:
The time and effort spent composing and writing each one was quite obvious. As their English teacher, you can be justifiably proud of their literary prowess. You have several potential short story authors in that group!
Commander J. F. Williams
commanding officer
Strike Fighter Squadron 192
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Thomas C. Hart FF-1092, September 19, 1991:
Desert Storm Deployment:
The crew thoroughly enjoyed the letters and cookies you and your students sent to us during our deployment to the Red Sea in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Each of us knows that an enormous amount of effort went into this project. All of your letters were displayed for all on the ship to read. They served as a constant reminder of the caring and support we had at home. As a result of your hard work, our spirits and morale remained high throughout our deployment.
Commander D. C. Rollins
commanding officer
USS Thomas C. Hart FF-1092
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The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Charleston LKA-113, January 31, 1989:
On behalf of the 325 sailors and 200 embarked marines, I thank you and the 7th grade English classes for your warmth and generosity. It is refreshing to know that there are more than just family members thinking of us as we perform our duties across the miles. Your letters could not have come at a better time. The USS Charleston has been deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for the past six months, and as I write, we are on our final leg home to Norfolk, VA. Your letters were just what the crew needed. Many of them have sons and daughters the age of your students and were quick to read and answer their questions.
Captain N. V. McKenna
commanding officer
USS Charleston LKA-113
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The following is a quote from the executive officer of the USS Richmond K. Turner CG-20, January 31, 1988:
. . . your letter made me feel like a million dollars . . . We all like to hear compliments for a job well done. When you told me you cared about the job I was doing, you made me feel great. . . For you, and for all Americans, I am willing to give up my life if necessary. . . I want you to grow up in a free society
Lieutenant Commander D. Stone
executive officer
USS Richmond K. Turner
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The following is a quote from an individual sailor onboard the USS Independence CV-62, February 21, 1984:
You know sometimes I wonder why I'm out here with 5,000 other men, most of whom I don't even know, but then I read a letter from someone I don't even know, telling me that he or she cares about what I'm doing here, and all my questions are answered. It's people like you and your English classes that make America what is it today: the most powerful free nation in the world. God bless you all.
Grady Allen Tate
USS Independence CV-62
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The following is a quote from an individual sailor onboard the USS Bainbridge CGN-25, January 2, 1984:
Finally, I want to say to you, thanks for writing me. Your grammar is outstanding. Apparently, Mrs. LaRow's English class is paying off. After reading your letter, I feel good about my duty to you as an American. I want you to grow and learn and live in freedom. Therefore, for you and all Americans I will continue to do the best job I can do.
Ulysses F. Wilson
USS Bainbridge CGN-25
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The following is a quote from a pilot from Helicopter Combat Squadron 4, January 27, 1991:
Desert Storm Deployment:
Please thank your English classes for showing their support for the men and women who are serving in the United States Navy. Please share my letter with them. I am in Egypt with a helicopter squadron. All there is is an air strip and sand. I work the night shift. We deliver the mail to the ships so they take good care of us when we land on deck. For example, today they gave us three boxes of your chocolate chip cookies. The food here is terrible and has made everyone sick. I was sick for three days and was sure I was going to die. Now, I am surviving on hard candy and oranges. . . Well, thanks a lot for the cookies. It was great to have a taste of America out here in the desert.
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