Atlas Twp.-A small paper bag recently carried a big message.
For Veteran’s Day 2014 Oaktree Elementary students were assigned to color paper bags with a message and picture supporting military. The bags were then supplied to John’s Steakhouse, 8038 State Road in Goodrich, to use when patrons purchase takeout.
The patriotic class assignment was recognized by township resident Gail Layne after she stopped by John’s to pick up lunch last December.
Gail and Mark Layne just happen to be the parents of Chief Warrant Officer Mark Lane II, currently serving with the 82nd Airborne on duty in Afghanistan. The 82nd Airborne Division is an active duty airborne infantry division of the US Army, specializing in parachute assault operations.
‘Gail just happened to be packing a Christmas box to send over to our son,? said Mark Layne, his father. ‘So she packed the bag in with the rest of his presents and shipped them all to Afghanistan.?
The bag was created by Emmaline VanDermaas, a fourth grade Oaktree Elementary student who expressed her thoughts on those serving in the military:
‘Thank you for serving our country. We are all so grateful and even if none of my parents or relatives were in the war I still appreciate those who serve our country.?
Mark Layne II appreciated the gesture and when he received the package from his parents, sent a photo back home.
Layne, 39, is a 1994 Goodrich High School graduate who joined the Army at 17-years-old, between his junior and senior year of school.
‘Mark was too young to join the Army so he asked me to sign for him,? said his father, Mark. ‘I first said, ‘No,? but finally agreed after he completed his basic training between his junior and senior year in1993 then returned to graduate high school the next year. He then decided to serve full time in the Army and is now a Blackhawk pilot. Over the 20 years in the Army Mark II has a served a tour of duty in Bosnia, three tours of Iraq and now Afghanistan. We all hope to have him retired soon.?
‘It’s just really nice the message came from his hometown school and that they really recognize the soldiers,? he said. ‘The photo from Mark is some feedback to let Emmaline and other students know their work is appreciated.?
Mark II and wife Hilda are residents of Manassas, Va., and have two children Gabriela, 14 and Alan, 12.