Goodrich-An area teacher is using cloud technology to thank those serving in the military.
Michelle LaRowe, a district teacher for the past 14 years currently serves as an eighth and sixth grade literature instructor. In an effort to incorporate creative writing skills into a real world perspective she assigned letter writing to active military.
‘The assignment, which produced about 100 letters, is directed at soldiers currently serving,? said LaRowe.
While many students penned their letters some used Word Clouds’a computer application that will create a visual representation of a piece of text.
‘They took it very seriously’more than I had anticipated. Many of the students knew a grandparent or family friend that had served in the military.”
Similar to years past, the letters were handed over to Mike Lynch, a Berkley resident with a granddaughter that had attended the middle school.
Lynch, now 72, served in the US Marine Corps from 1962 to 1966 and was on the USS Eldorado in the Gulf Tonkin. He was a communications specialist and served two tours in Vietnam. Today he provides support to area troops. Lynch, along with the Stanley L. Moore Detachment, 159 Marine Corps League and VFW Post 9222 in Berkley, Mich. recognized the youth for their efforts.
‘It’s a big deal for those serving overseas,? said Lunch. ‘Some troops never hear from anyone and they appreciate a letter no matter who sent it or who they are. It works for the students too’that often get a better understanding of military life.. It really tugs at my heart strings to hear what these kids have to say to the soldier. Honestly, we don’t have thousands of soldiers names but we have more than 100 letters this Veterans Day to mail out. The letters are shipped in two or three boxes and distributed the to those in the military unit. The letters really get the kids involved, it’s a win-win program.?
‘It can take up to two weeks for the letters to make it to the Middle East,? he added. ‘Our goal is to get the letters in the hands of troops by Veterans Day on Nov. 11.?