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thedrifter
02-28-09, 06:07 AM
Marines express appreciation for valentines from local students

By Cpl. Ryan E. Turnage, correspondent
Suburban Life Publications
Fri Feb 27, 2009, 11:51 AM CST
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Lombard, IL -

The Marines of Regimental Combat Team 6 knew they were not forgotten on Valentine’s Day when students from Glenside Middle School in Lombard sent boxes of valentines gifts to deployed troops, showing their support for those serving in Iraq.

A simple “thank you” would have sufficed, but these young students went the extra mile, using colorful paper, glitter, crayons and heartfelt messages to show they care. Schools and businesses in the Lombard area sent more than 700 holiday cards to deployed and injured troops.

The students’ hard work and thoughtfulness raised the morale of the Marines who understandably miss their loved ones, said Col. Matthew A. Lopez, the commanding officer of RCT-6. Lopez was particularly happy to hear from the youths so close to home.

“We live in a suburban Chicago town, which sponsors a schoolwide club whose purpose is community services,” said Diane Wilken, a sixth-grade math teacher at Glenside Middle School.

The club is comprised of parents, faculty and students who hold meetings to discuss what can be done to support those in their community and around the world.

“We are always looking for projects our kids can be involved in, and this one hit the nail on the head,” said Wilken.

“It’s great to know our efforts out here aren’t going unnoticed,” said Lance Cpl. Matthew Ragusa, a Marine with Headquarters Co., RCT-6.

Ragusa has many fond memories of spending time with friends and family back home, and the holidays can be a tough time to be away from those you care about.

As they read through dozens of valentines, each one representing a child who cares, the Marines were noticeably moved and wanted to communicate just one message: Thank you.

“I just want all the kids back home who are writing to know how much they mean to us and how happy it makes us to read these cards,” Ragusa said.

Cards from caring Americans are sent to Marines throughout the year, and sometimes they mean more than a card from their own families, said Ragusa. Complete strangers taking time out of their day to send notes of encouragement lets the Marines know they are appreciated and not forgotten.

Regimental Combat Team 6 thanked the children and their teachers for organizing the delivery of these cards.

“I would like to tell the kids writing to keep on supporting our men and women serving their country. You inspire us to push through the hard times and make it home safely,” said Lopez.

Opportunities to hear from the nation’s youths don’t come very often for deployed Marines, but they are always welcome. The Marines appreciate the opportunity to stay in touch with young people across the country.

“Even though they may not completely understand what is happening overseas, they are doing their part to support the troops,” Ragusa said.

For more information on the ongoing mission in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, visit www.mnfwest.usmc.mil.

Cpl. Ryan E. Turnage is with the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Regimental Combat Team 6 in Camp Ramadi, Iraq

Ellie