thedrifter
05-01-09, 07:09 AM
Marine visits YMCA class that supported him in Iraq
John Oxford
April 30, 2009 10:42 pm
— MOULTRIE — A U.S. Marine on leave from serving in Iraq visited a class at the Moultrie YMCA Child Care Center Wednesday to thank them for their support.
U.S. Marine Capt. Peter Burkette “Burke” Eltrington of Virginia was greeted with a “Welcome Home Capt. Burke” sign and U.S. flag made from the student’s handprints and footprints, which was later presented to him. Eltrington received the center’s mascot, a stuffed dog named Coop, in a care package in December and returned him in January.
When Eltrington arrived at the class, the 3- and 4-year-old students had a variety of questions for him. He was asked if the Iraqi children have toys, who kind of car he drives there, what he eats there and where houses are there. He answered as many questions for the children as he could.
When asked what happens to all the stuff included in care packages, Eltrington said many of the things are given to families in Iraq. The students recently sent over several pairs of gloves in a care package, which were then given to the families of Iraqi soldiers Eltrington and his unit work with there.
“We always focus on the local villages,” Eltrington said. “You guys are helping us out a lot.”
Eltrington told the class he gives out candy, especially Jolly Ranchers and bubble gum, to the children there whenever they stop during a mission. The children there are really no different than the children in the class, but they’re just from different cultures.
When asked what the class could send in their next care package, Eltrington said everything that has been sent has been great for him and his unit. He then thanked the children for all of the support they have provided to him and the 10 Marines who make up his unit.
“One reason we’re able to do what we do is because of people at home holding us up,” Eltrington said. “Your hands have held us up.”
What the class does in sending care packages is vitally important to him and all soldiers in Iraq, Eltrington said. Showing compassion and a desire to help Iraqis allows the soldiers to make a significant impact there.
“All those little things,” Eltrington said, “that’s so much more important that me walking around with a rifle.”
Eltrington’s fiancee, Carrie Adams, said the support the class has given him has been wonderful. The two were brought together through a friend of Adams, Child Care Center assistant director Kristin Brogdon.
“They’ve really been so supportive of Burke,” Adams said. “It’s been wonderful.”
Ellie
John Oxford
April 30, 2009 10:42 pm
— MOULTRIE — A U.S. Marine on leave from serving in Iraq visited a class at the Moultrie YMCA Child Care Center Wednesday to thank them for their support.
U.S. Marine Capt. Peter Burkette “Burke” Eltrington of Virginia was greeted with a “Welcome Home Capt. Burke” sign and U.S. flag made from the student’s handprints and footprints, which was later presented to him. Eltrington received the center’s mascot, a stuffed dog named Coop, in a care package in December and returned him in January.
When Eltrington arrived at the class, the 3- and 4-year-old students had a variety of questions for him. He was asked if the Iraqi children have toys, who kind of car he drives there, what he eats there and where houses are there. He answered as many questions for the children as he could.
When asked what happens to all the stuff included in care packages, Eltrington said many of the things are given to families in Iraq. The students recently sent over several pairs of gloves in a care package, which were then given to the families of Iraqi soldiers Eltrington and his unit work with there.
“We always focus on the local villages,” Eltrington said. “You guys are helping us out a lot.”
Eltrington told the class he gives out candy, especially Jolly Ranchers and bubble gum, to the children there whenever they stop during a mission. The children there are really no different than the children in the class, but they’re just from different cultures.
When asked what the class could send in their next care package, Eltrington said everything that has been sent has been great for him and his unit. He then thanked the children for all of the support they have provided to him and the 10 Marines who make up his unit.
“One reason we’re able to do what we do is because of people at home holding us up,” Eltrington said. “Your hands have held us up.”
What the class does in sending care packages is vitally important to him and all soldiers in Iraq, Eltrington said. Showing compassion and a desire to help Iraqis allows the soldiers to make a significant impact there.
“All those little things,” Eltrington said, “that’s so much more important that me walking around with a rifle.”
Eltrington’s fiancee, Carrie Adams, said the support the class has given him has been wonderful. The two were brought together through a friend of Adams, Child Care Center assistant director Kristin Brogdon.
“They’ve really been so supportive of Burke,” Adams said. “It’s been wonderful.”
Ellie