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Afghan Connection

Submitted by admin on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 16:34

Afghan Connection

 

Fairfield Primary/Afghan “Heartfelt” Connection 
The idea for the Fairfield Primary Afghan Connection started last spring as FFP kindergarten teachers were planning a Family Hour.   Since Fairfield Primary School is known as the “Little School With the Big Heart” the principal, Claudette Massey, decided to create a “Heartfelt” red, white and blue interactive station for children and families to write messages to the troops in Afghanistan on pink and red hearts. These were glued into an enormous card (three feet by four feet) with pictures of all of 100+ smiling kindergarteners on the outside, with a special message that said:
100+ Heartfelt Wishes to the Troops Who Keep Us Safe!
Sent With Love from 100+ Kindergarteners, Families and Friends!
The card was folded into a box and shipped out with as many surprises as could be packed into it for a Maine Troop stationed two miles from the town of Kandahar, in the southern part of Afghanistan. The soldiers belong to a Maine Unit called the 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. They provide night and day support for all the troops in the southern part of the country with food, water, mail, transportation, ammunition and anything else they need to do their work out in the field. MSG Mearl Salley received the box and shared the contents with his fellow soldiers. MSG Salley wrote a beautiful letter in response.   Somehow he managed to recyle our box, stuffing it with an Afghan rug, postcards, photos of the barracks and pictures of him holding our card. We have since sent another box of Halloween treats in a pumpkin bag. Our plans are to continue sending boxes filled with love and surprises. 
Mrs. Massey has searched for books on Afghanistan that kindergarten children could relate to in an effort to build some background for the people and the country. She was able to find a counting book entitled Count Your Way through Afghanistan . Each number has a sound spelling in one of the official languages spoken in the country. Another story book, Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story From Afghanistan, is based on a little girl who has not spoken to anyone since her parents disappeared. The Old Woman and the Eagle , by Indries Shah is a tale by an Afghan author who adapted ancient stories that teach children to be open to new sights and things. 
The Primary School teachers are looking forward to involving their children throughout the year in understanding what life is like for children in another part of the world and sending more “Heartfelt Wishes”. ♥

 

More Pictures!

 

 

Send a Comment to The soldiers belong to a Maine Unit called the 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

 
#1Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 13:29.

Thank you and HAPPY

Thank you and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

From Madison
Age 6

#2Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 13:28.

Thank you~

Thank you, be safe and come home soon!

From,

Emma and Wyatt
age 5 and 4

#3Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 13:16.

Hi troop

I think it is great that you are helping our country. Thanks

Ashton
Age 5

#4Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 13:14.

Hi, My name is Ryan and I

Hi,

My name is Ryan and I want to be an Army Guy! Thank you for saving our country.
How do you become an Army guy?? I want to be an Army Guy when I grow up.

Ryan
Age 6

#5Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 12:54.

Happy Halloween!

Be safe, We are praying for you.

Love,

Lydia
age 5

#6Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:33.

Hi Guys

We are having fun today with our kids building Trash Monsters. It is amazing how much imagination people have and how much fun we have all had together.
We are praying for you all, that god will keep you safe and bring you home soon.

Lewis and Barbara Bell

#7Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:26.

Come Home Safe

Thank you for defending our freedom!

#8Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:16.

Thanks for all you do!

Thanks for all you do!

#9Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:10.

Soldiers are NICE

Thank you for protecting us! People are nice soldiers.

From Lydia
age 5

#10Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:07.

thank you

For keeping us safe!

Teya
age 5

#11Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 09:59.

Hello from Maine

Thank you for your service. Our thoughts are with you. Hope you are home soon.
Erica Gower

#12Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 09:54.

Maine Troop 286

The kindergarteners (all 100+) are learning about Afghanistan and why you are there. We think of you often and send you our love. Claudette Massey

#13Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 07:41.

Thank you~

Just a small note to say than you for all that you do to make us safe!  May you be safe in your travels and hurry home to your loved ones and friends!

 

Morrigan