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Two classes of grateful Midland School students welcomed United States Army Sgt. John Evans into their classroom to thank him for his service and learn more about what it means to be in the military on Dec. 7.
Evans, 27, is a Port Chester resident who served in the army for five years and was twice deployed to Iraq. The first deployment was for 15 months and the second was 12. His active service ended in May, 2011, but he considers reenlisting every day, he said.
The kids asked Evans what he has for lunch, if he gets to celebrate holidays and what kind of mail they should write to his comrades abroad. Evans explained what it is like to be an active military sergeant and told them that he and his fellow soldiers like to receive any kind of mail from home.
"It is nice to know people at home are thinking of us," Evans said.
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After Evans answered their questions, the children carefully wrote letters to active troops filled with colorful drawings of snow men, rainbows and smiley faces. The fourth grade students of Stephanie Lauro's class teamed up with their kindergarten buddies from Melissa Pellettieri's class to create the letters.
"The kids understand that they are sacraficing for them," Lauro explained of the student's understanding of the army.
"Our students were born after 9/11 so this is all they have known. They are more connected than you'd think," Pellettieri said.
At the end of the class, Sgt. Evans gave the students a military coin, a symbol of gratitude for doing a good job and the kids thanked him for joining them and for his service to our country.
View the video above to see Sgt. Evans' visit to Milton Elementary School.
