 Michelle DeSoiza
Michelle DeSoiza (10th Grade) from Darien, Connecticut led several successful letter writing campaigns in support of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen deployed down range as well as those wounded in local US Military Hospitals. Over 700 letters were collected and distributed in November and December 2007 alone. One letter in particular, at Christmas time, received a very personal response from a US Army First Sergeant who had been deployed for 14 months near Baghdad. The First Sergeant took the time to eloquently recognize Michelle’s efforts which is important for our youth as they many times do not realize the positive effect of their heartfelt actions. Another letter was received at Thanksgiving by a young female amputee at Brooke Army Medical Center who has since become a pen-pal.
Recently in 2008, Michelle founded a group in her school S.O.S. (Support Our Soldiers) and she has since begun a campaign to sell dog togs and bracelets which carry messages of support and hope for our troops all around the world. Michelle is also the youngest volunteer for the annual Salute To Veterans in Greenwich, CT . . . and personifies the best of young American . . . as she inspires so many around her with her natural sense of leadership. And Michelle DeSoiza's would like to continue exhibiting her spirit of service to her country by striving to earn the privilege of attending the US Naval Academy with dreams of becoming a Naval Aviator one day. Note... Information was provided by the student and/or an adult who verified / recommended the student. | 
