Student letters result in surprise visit by National Guard Soldiers

By Bill Phelan
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A letter-writing campaign by students at Robert H. Sperreng Middle School in south St. Louis County recently resulted in a surprise visit by Soldiers of the Missouri National Guard.

In recognition of Veteran's Day, more than 70 students of Katie Dalton's English classes wrote letters to Soldiers of the 205th Military Police Battalion, who are currently deployed to Afghanistan. This is the fifth consecutive year that Dalton's students have corresponded with Soldiers overseas.

"We teach character education at Lindbergh Schools and one of our focuses is service," Dalton said. "So along with writing the letters we talked about the service and sacrifice of the Soldiers and what they do for our country."

"The letters expressed heartfelt concern for the safety of the Soldiers, hopes for their safe return and appreciation for their commitment to serving their country and ensuring the freedom that each student enjoys," said Christine Betcher, a National Guard Family Readiness assistant at Jefferson Barracks, who sent the letters to Afghanistan.

"I know that war takes its toll on your mind, body and spirit, but the country that you left is praying for you," wrote Kristin Garcia, a Sperreng 7th grader.

"You all have been greatly courageous in joining and serving the military and keeping our country safe from attack," penned fellow 7th grader Geoffrey La Mear.

The 205th falls under the 70th Troop Command, the largest brigade in the Missouri Army National Guard headquartered at Jefferson Barracks, a short distance from Sperreng.

Among those thanking the students during the Dec. 13 visit was Lt. Col. Christopher Mickan, Troop Command administrative officer, and Soldiers of the 1035th Maintenance Support Company, also a Troop Command unit.

"Members of the 205th couldn't be there to thank the students in person so we thanked them on their behalf and presented them with a certificate of appreciation," said Mickan.

Mickan told the students that Soldiers of the 205th are providing security at three locations in Afghanistan.

"They are working out of forward operating bases in support of the Afghan Army," he explained.

Dalton, of St. Charles, said her students were thrilled by the Soldier's visit.

"They loved it," she said. "My fourth-hour class proved to be very popular and all my students wanted to know when they could write more letters."

The 205th Military Police Battalion is headquartered in Poplar Bluff with units in West Plains, Springfield, St. Clair, St. Louis, Kennett, Jackson and Doniphan.


For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.