Soldier Visits Students at Penn Bernville Elementary
He was a pen pal known simply as "Soldier Dan." That is, until today when some third graders got to meet their hero in person. WFMZ's Melissa Fullerton reports.>> REPORTER: Talk about a class reunion.
>> SHIRK: He was a student in my second grade class, many years ago.
>> REPORTER: Kathy Shirk still teaches second grade at Penn-Bernville Elementary in Berks County. And when she heard her former student, Dan Fick, was heading to Iraq with Pennsylvania's 56th Stryker Brigade, she mobilized her own little Army.
>> FICK: While I was gone...the kids...they wrote to me. They sent me Easter cards, Valentine's day cards.
>> REPORTER: The year away left plenty of time for letters back and forth between the students and the person they dubbed, Soldier Dan.
>> FICK: I feel like I know them.
>> REPORTER: And this day...he got to meet them.
>> Where's Soldier Dan?
>> FICK: I just really wanted to thank you guys for everything you guys have done for me.
>> REPORTER: This time, it was Soldier Dan who had the goodies. Check out some of the souvenirs he brought to share with his support team.
>> FICK: It says Pepsi on the front and then it says Pepsi in Arabic on the back.
>> REPORTER: For Soldier Dan, this was one of the most intimidating missions yet.
>> FICK: I'm nervous, yeah. On the ride over here I was trying to think of what I'm going to say.
>> REPORTER: ...A tricky task when these guys say just about anything.
>> STUDENT: Were you ever on the Military Channel because I think I saw you?
>> STUDENT: Do they have candy there? If you say no, I'm going to stay here.
>> STUDENT: Do they take PSSA tests? (Laughter)
>> REPORTER: Still, taking on the tough questions is a small price to pay for the service these students provided to those serving their country.
>> FICK: It's a touch of home. It makes you forget where you are and the stuff that's going on and just enjoy life.
( Video won't play? CLICK HERE for some helpful suggestions )
Share on Facebooke-mail story | print view | rss feeds | wireless | google desktop | podcast
Due to the fact that some scripts seen here are finished shortly before airtime, there may be misspellings and grammatical errors. They may also contain phonetic spellings of names and places. Some of the interviews and live segments may not be scripted. COPYRIGHT NOTICE This information is for personal viewing only and may not be retransmitted or used for any other purpose. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion therof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
|
|
|
HOME
NEWS
WEATHER
TRAFFIC
SPORTS
DATABANK
SKYCAMS
EMAIL
MAP
|
Hundreds Wait In Line For Free Swine Flu Vaccination