Military Officer - March 2008 - (Page 40) chaptersinaction Spreading the Word They’ve served their country with pride. Now these chapter members are working to instill an appreciation for the military in local children by visiting schools and sharing their experiences as veterans. M ore than a few MOAA chapters have established a goal of educating young people about the meaning of patriotism, the history of the U.S. military, and the importance of service to the nation. Who better to take on this task than those who have served around the world in many of America’s toughest conflicts? With the help of programs like Veterans in the Classroom, these chapter members are finding it easier than ever to fulfill this mission. The program doesn’t cost chapter members a thing and makes both veterans and audience members feel appreciated and enlightened. Many MOAA chapters aren’t near military bases — due in part to the impact of multiple rounds of base realignment and closure actions in the past 20 years. Children now might seldom see servicemembers in the flesh or have contact with them. What we take for granted, many young Americans simply do not know anything about. These veterans are great role models. Listening to their experiences is something new and often fascinating for children and teachers alike. These programs also give young people a point of reference and might help them appreciate a grandparent’s service in the military in places like Korea or Vietnam. The material covered usually isn’t in the school curriculum but develops from the mutual interests of veterans and school administrators. Most programs coincide with military holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Often, the local media are looking for human-interest stories like this. The Lancaster (Pa.) Chapter’s Adopt-a-Kid/Adopta-Vet program has received extensive coverage in its area in newspapers and on local TV stations. Chapter leaders say this has helped the chapter recruit new members. In this month’s main article, “Teaching Veterans’ History,” we highlight some of the many efforts across the country where MOAA chapters are contributing in the classroom. Read more in this section — and then find out where your nearest chapter is and go to its next meeting. You might find something you want to be a part of. — Col. Lee Lange II, USMC-Ret. Director, Council and Chapter Affairs Teaching Veterans’ History L ON THE ROAD: Col. Lee Lange II, USMC-Ret., will visit chapters in Kentucky, Minnesota, and West Virginia. Col. Barry Wright, USA-Ret., will visit North Carolina and Virginia. Go to MOAA Calendar, page 108, for dates. 40 MILITARY OFFICER MARCH 2008 * t. Col. Bob Hopkins, USAF-Ret., looked impressive in his Air Force uniform — resplendent with ribbons — as he waited to be seated at the “Veterans Tea” at Lylburn Downing Middle School in Lexington, Va. Hopkins and 11 other members of the George C. Marshall (Va.) Chapter had come to teach sixth-grade students about the military and share their experiences as veterans. Earlier that day, students had attended a ceremony honoring veterans. Now, chapter members were seated in pairs at tables where they talked with small groups of students as they snacked on tea and cookies. After 15 minutes, the students moved to a new table, which allowed them to talk to veterans from different eras. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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