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
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
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
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
The following is a quote from the captain of the USS Anzio
CG-68, January 27, 1995:
I had prebriefed 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.