SHOW OF SUPPORT
SHOW OF SUPPORT Students gear up for soldier care package project
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

-- Bullard Banner Photo by Lori Mellinger Back row, from left, are Jeremy Archer, Michael Denson, Melissa Lueke and Krystal Zaehringer. Middle row, from left, Tawni Newburn, Mallory Philpott, Brittany Alexander and Chelsea Foreman. Front is, Courtney Hayes.

Michael Denson watches the news a lot more than most seventh graders. It's not local issues he cares about - he's watching international news for word of his father, Donald, who is stationed in Bagdad.

Classmate Chelsea Foreman does the same thing. She's trying to keep up with her brother who is somewhere in Iraq.

For these particular Bullard Middle School students, the war isn't a spot on the globe on a country on a map - it's where there family is - and every bit of news - especially the bad - affects them.

It was this that caused classmate Courtney Hayes to approach Lisa Williams, BMS vice principal, with an idea

"I know what it's like to be alone on the holidays, " Hayes said. "So I wanted to send the soldiers something from home."

What started as a small project grew exponentially, and pretty soon Williams was almost forced to change offices as the boxes continued to stack up.

And the volunteers grew, too. Michael and Chelsea got involved - soliciting help with flyers and word of mouth and so did Tawni Newburn, Mallory Philpott, Britanny Alexander, Jeremy Rhodes, Krystal Zaehringer and Melissa Leuke.

The care packages were supposed to end when Williams and the group put 14 packages in the mail before Christmas.

But when she got word that Chelsea's brother's stay was changed to indefinite, she talked to the students again.

"I didn't want everyone to forget," she said, and the students readily agreed. So they're beginning the project again.

In mid-April the kids are soliciting non-perishable snacks, books, toys, toiletries, warm clothes, phone cards, disposable cameras, DVDs and anything else they can think of to send to Bullard-connected soldiers.

They are all hoping they can outdo what they collected before the holidays.

"We were astonished we got so much," Tawni said.

The most popular item, according to the students, was Bullard-made beef jerky - courtesy of Todd Thoene.

"Every soldier mentioned it in the letters we got," Mallory said. "They shared the stuff with guys in their units, but they didn't share the beef jerky."

It's been a hardship on Michael and Chelsea, but this project has helped them - and they believe it's raised awareness in students their age.

Michael's dad has been in Baghdad since October. But he never dreamed he would go at all.

"He signed up for the National Guard thinking he wouldn't go to Iraq," Michael said. "Now, he's first on the scene, securing spots and making sure everyone is safe."

Michael said his dad emails once a week, but he writes letters every day. Michael is staying with his grandparents until his dad comes home.

"I have an awareness now of how dangerous it is," he said. "I'm more alert and more emotional."

He said his dad should have to stay about 1 ‰ -- barring the Guard keeping him longer.

Chelsea's 21-year-old brother, Brett, joined the U.S. Army to get an education.

As a family, Chelsea, her two brothers and sister, have grown closer. And she and her parents watch the news together every morning and evening.

"The worst part was when we found out he wouldn't be coming home when he was supposed to," she said. "His stay is indefinite."

But - with daily phone calls - Chelsea said it's brought the entire family closer together.

To help with the care packages that the students are now putting together, call Lisa Williams at Bullard Middle School, 903-894-6533.