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Just before the end of the school year, Duke Elementary School
was called in for an assembly in the cafeteria. The students were
not aware, but it was due to something they had done several months
ago. Upon walking in, they saw a lone member of the U.S. Air Force,
ready with a special presentation to thank the children, faculty and
school for taking care of deployed military members.
The
presentation was supposed to be a surprise, just as the school had
surprised several Airmen down range during the 2016 holiday season.
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May 17, 2017 - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony Molina, 97th
Maintenance Directorate inspection managements flight chief, and
students from Duke Elementary School pose for a photo at Duke
Elementary School, Oklahoma. The students of Duke Elementary
received a U.S. flag that had been flowing during combat operations
overseas as thanks for writing deployed members during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jackson Haddon)
... Click here to see larger version of photo
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“I was informed about a special presentation by base
members,” said Rick Wilson, Duke Elementary School
principle. “But I didn’t exactly know what it was until 24
hours before the school assembly.”
The school sent
presents that touched the heart of over 30 deployed members
as well as U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony Molina, 97th
Maintenance Directorate inspection managements flight chief,
so they decided to give the school a special, patriotic
gift; a United States flag, flown in combat during Operation
Inherent Resolve.
“We had
the Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade students come to the
cafeteria for an assembly. There, the presentation to the
school of this amazing flag,” said Wilson. “The students,
faculty and I were very wide-eyed to receive such a special
flag. We all felt very honored. The flag made the kids
scream with joy and a multitude of pictures were taken to
commemorate this event.”
The flag was Molina’s way of
thanking the school for sending letters to the Airmen under
his supervision. Sent during the holiday season, the letters
arrived just in time for Christmas.
“Typically,
around that time of year, you’re with family,” said Molina.
“During that time is when a lot of depression and loneliness
can set in. We were completely blindsided when the letters
came in. I’ve been in for some time and I’ve never seen
something like that.”
The idea of writing letters had
come up in September 2016. Personnel of the 97th MX reached
out to see if Duke elementary was willing to show these
members that they were still thought of half-way around the
world.
“When I mentioned this potential project to
the teachers and faculty, they were 100 percent on board to
lead the students in this endeavor,” said Wilson. “The
students were excited and wanting to help but they were also
sad about the members being away from home for the
holidays.”
Molina’s supervisor had gotten his mailing
address and sent a care package, not specifying what was in
it, addressed for Molina and the Airmen under his
supervision.
“Those kids drew pictures and wrote
letters, which was really humbling,” said Molina. “There
were a few tears, but when people saw that and realized that
they were supported back home, it meant a lot. That was a
high point for me. It was really when the Airmen realized
that we are thought of and people are thankful for what we
do when we’re not there.”
The U.S. flag is proudly
displayed in the school gymnasium with all the school
trophies for all to see. It stands as a proud reminder of
the sacrifice of our Airmen throughout the year and the
proud community supporting them.
By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jackson Haddon
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
Student Patriots
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