Class Connection
This was one of those days when I truly loved being a news reporter. What I witnessed in a kindergarten class in Centreville, Virginia made me smile, laugh and almost cry.
It started with Suzette Haywood reading her class a book called "The Impossible Patriotism Project." It is a story about a little boy whose father is in Iraq and cannot be home for his son's presentation on parents' night.
From there the experience in the classroom just got better and better. You see, the teacher and her students had been keeping a secret from 5-year-old Christopher Lockert. His father is serving his 2nd deployment in Iraq and has been gone since September.
As Suzette finished the story, she asked Christopher wouldn't he like to share his school work with his Dad. That is when Lt. Col. Daniel Lockert's voice could be heard in the classroom. The look on Christopher's face was priceless.
For more than 45 minutes, the Air Force Lt. Col. and his friends talked to the kindergarten students. They answered questions, made jokes and listened to the children sing.
When I sat down to talk to Beth Ann Lockert, I learned more about the Freedom Calls Foundation and how the organization helps military families stay connected to loved ones.
Freedom Calls provided the technology for the classroom video conference and covered the cost.
Mrs. Lockert also had the cutest doll for her youngest, Rebekah. In fact, all three of her children have the Daddy Dolls made with a photo of their father. She says the kids also have a huge poster from Flat Daddies to help them feel closer to their father.
Anyway, I walked out of that classroom really excited about putting together the story for our 7 p.m. newscast. I hope the Lockerts, Mrs. Haywood and the students enjoy my report as much as I enjoyed being in there for a really classy connection. Click here to see my report.
You can also see more of my interview with Beth Ann Lockert or with Christopher's teacher, Suzette Haywood. If you would like to see Christopher's father and his friends singing for the kindergarten class, click here .
There is one other item for this post. I received this e-mail and was asked to share it in my blog.
Unfortunately, it is story that is far from uplifting. However, it is one that affected a man who served his country and his family.
Hello Ms Armstrong..
As I was reading your blog...I saw a story on TV news I thought you would like to look into...
GO HERE to view the story..it was on CBS news by Katie Couric...
Its truely sad how our military has failed this family...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/31/eveningnews/main3776580.shtml
Thanks..
William
It started with Suzette Haywood reading her class a book called "The Impossible Patriotism Project." It is a story about a little boy whose father is in Iraq and cannot be home for his son's presentation on parents' night.
From there the experience in the classroom just got better and better. You see, the teacher and her students had been keeping a secret from 5-year-old Christopher Lockert. His father is serving his 2nd deployment in Iraq and has been gone since September.
As Suzette finished the story, she asked Christopher wouldn't he like to share his school work with his Dad. That is when Lt. Col. Daniel Lockert's voice could be heard in the classroom. The look on Christopher's face was priceless.
For more than 45 minutes, the Air Force Lt. Col. and his friends talked to the kindergarten students. They answered questions, made jokes and listened to the children sing.
When I sat down to talk to Beth Ann Lockert, I learned more about the Freedom Calls Foundation and how the organization helps military families stay connected to loved ones.
Freedom Calls provided the technology for the classroom video conference and covered the cost.
Mrs. Lockert also had the cutest doll for her youngest, Rebekah. In fact, all three of her children have the Daddy Dolls made with a photo of their father. She says the kids also have a huge poster from Flat Daddies to help them feel closer to their father.
Anyway, I walked out of that classroom really excited about putting together the story for our 7 p.m. newscast. I hope the Lockerts, Mrs. Haywood and the students enjoy my report as much as I enjoyed being in there for a really classy connection. Click here to see my report.
You can also see more of my interview with Beth Ann Lockert or with Christopher's teacher, Suzette Haywood. If you would like to see Christopher's father and his friends singing for the kindergarten class, click here .
There is one other item for this post. I received this e-mail and was asked to share it in my blog.
Unfortunately, it is story that is far from uplifting. However, it is one that affected a man who served his country and his family.
Hello Ms Armstrong..
As I was reading your blog...I saw a story on TV news I thought you would like to look into...
GO HERE to view the story..it was on CBS news by Katie Couric...
Its truely sad how our military has failed this family...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/31/eveningnews/main3776580.shtml
Thanks..
William
posted by Phyllis Armstrong at
6:29 PM
1 Comments:
I wrote THE IMPOSSIBLE PATRIOTISM PROJECT and was absolutely thrilled that it played even a small part in the reunion between Christopher and his dad! His teacher is truly an inspiration for going above and beyond her daily duties to make this happen. Thanks for sharing this great story!
Post a Comment
<< Home