Serving overseas in Iraq, Dr. Matt McNeill enjoyed Christmas wishes and gifts from students at Everest Academy in Independence Township.
He thanked the first graders in person, home on leave to visit his newly born daughter.
‘It’s incredible, seeing the changes, how they’re growing up,? said McNeill, a captain with First Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas.
He spent his three-week leave with his wife, Jody, and their children, Clare, Grace, and Timothy, all students at Everest, Aiden, and Catherine, born Jan 13. He took time out to visit teacher Susan Snyder’s first-grade class to thank them for their care packages to him and his unit.
‘It was very much appreciated ? 19-year-old soldiers were opening packages like they were 5-year-old children on Christmas day,? he told the first graders, which included his daughter Clare. ‘Everything was a big hit.?
‘It’s great ? the support of everyone here is so needed,? Jody said. ‘This helps the kids keep connected to their dad, when he’s so far away.?
The students sent powdered beverage mixes, granola, toothbrushes, cereal, games, baseball caps, popcorn balls, pretzels, hard candy, soup, as well as hand-made Christmas decorations and cards.
‘We wished them a merry Christmas,? said first grader Lauren Marshall.
‘And a good new year,? said classmate Gabby Lantero.
‘We love them,? added Maggie Smith, first grader, whose brother Collin is also serving in Iraq.
‘The cards were the best part ? everyone read the cards and looked at the pictures,? Matt O’Neill said.
The students also sent a DVD of them singing ‘Joy to the World,? ‘Do you Hear What I Hear,? ‘Silent Night,? ‘God Bless the USA,? and other songs.
‘There was so much to it,? McNeill said.
The project provided students with a way to show their love for country and the soldiers, Snyder said.
‘I think it’s wonderful,? she said. ‘They understand freedom comes from soldiers.?
Care packages do an important job, McNeill said.
‘We’re far from home,? he said. ‘Out there, we’re like family, breaking bread together for a year. But we all remembers what’s it’s like to be with our real families, and we miss that.?
His unit deployed to Iraq for a one-year tour of duty this past May, he said.
‘This is a great thing to learn at a young age, be part of something bigger than yourself, how to serve others,? he said to the students. ‘I’m glad you have the chance to do that and share in the mission.?
The class will work on another care package soon, perhaps for Valentine’s Day, Snyder said.