Wendell Middle Schoolers give on Valentine's Day


Story and photo
by Ron Toland

Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

Sgt. 1^st Class Jason Thorpe (left) assists students in preparing and assembling valentine care packages at Wendell Middle School, Feb. 7.



      About 30-35 students at Wendell Middle School combined forces to create and give valentine care packages to U.S. Army Raleigh Recruiting Battalion single Soldiers and Geo-Bachelors, Feb. 7.

     Conducted fundraises for the Support U.S. Armed Forces project, the students raised almost $1,100 to purchase supplies.

     Leading and giving back and showing someone cares is the message.

     "We are doing this for [Soldiers] because they are serving our country and risking their lives. It cheers them up and it is important to give back so they too can have a valentine," said 12-year old Caroline Clifford, who worked on the project

     Soldiers of U.S. Army Raleigh Recruiting Battalion agree.

     "It shows the Soldiers that someone outside the military cares,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Thorpe.

     And when others show they care, it matters in the lives of single service members.

     “As the Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers representative, it is nice to have a local school show appreciation to our Soldiers,” said Debbie Roach, BOSS representative for the U.S. Army Raleigh Recruiting Battalion.