Even though the usual Veterans Day celebrations were interrupted in Mamou this year because of the pandemic, that did not stop Megan Velek’s students at Mamou Elementary from sending cards of thanks to local veterans. The students got a surprise when they received letters of thanks from the veterans themselves.
“One student received a letter back saying this made him want to keep going,” Velek said. “Another man called the school and left a message for me to call him. He wanted to thank me and the students personally because his son was just deployed and it put a smile on both of their faces.”
Velek added, “It has been a privilege to complete this project for the past few years. I believe it is so important to teach our students about veterans and the sacrifice they have made so that we are able to live freely in our amazing country. Teaching the importance of showing respect to these amazing men and women is important as well. Our students are eager to hear back from our veterans, and I love the heartfelt responses we receive.”
The following are some of the letters the students received.
Sgt. J. Ryan Haller
Dear Mr. Landon,
I just received your letter today in the mail, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well to tell you about myself, I also went to Mamou High School. My favorite subject was science and math. Specifically, physics, chemistry, and algebra. My free time is spent doing carpentry work, hunting, fishing, camping, and working out/running. After I graduated high school, I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007. Fun side fact, November 10 is the Marine Corps birthday. This year we celebrate it’s 245th birthday. We have been protecting our great nation (America) since 1775. During my time in the Marine Corps, I was able to spend time all over the United States and even served time overseas. I was stationed in South Carolina, North Carolina, Nevada, and Arkansas. I also served in Ramadi, Iraq, and Ghana, Africa. All that in six years! Now, I am working as a manufacturing engineer at Cameron and hold a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering.
I hope you enjoyed my letter as I did yours. It was fun and my honor to serve my country and the American people. Stay in school and listen to your mom. She knows best.
Signing off.
SFC(R) Candace Terry
Hello Karli,
My name is Candace Terry. I joined the Army National Guard when I was a senior at Mamou High School in 2001. I was 17 years old. I went to Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan. I kept in touch by writing letters and calling home every other week. When I went to Afghanistan in 2011, I called home daily and talked through Internet services.
My favorite subject in school was science also. I have a seven-year-old daughter, so my fun time is when I’m with her. I retired from the military this year, so I’ve been able to stay home and spend lots of time with her. I enjoyed being in the military for 20 years. Thank you for sending me a letter.
Unsigned
Dear student,
I am 80 years old. As a child I was in the Civic Air Patrol when I finished high school. After that, I was a Merchant Marine. As I was Marine, I went all over the world. I have one daughter. She is 55 years old. And she has three children. Overseas I went to South America, Nova Scotia, Africa, and Asia. I finished high school in 1959. I was in the Marines for 20 years.
I am in good shape. I exercise by walking and an old railroad pipe. I am 5’11” 214 pounds. I start everyday with prayers that I stay healthy.
Nathan Fontenot
Dear Braylon,
My name is Nathan Fontenot, and I lived most of my life in Ville Platte, Louisiana. I know and visited many people in Mamou, Louisiana. I am now living in Lafayette, Louisiana. You are very lucky to have Ms. Megan teaching you about veterans. It is very important to understand the role that veterans play in the United States of America.
My favorite part of elementary school was learning to read because it helped me throughout my life.
I served in the military branch of the Navy for over a year and a half. I was stationed in San Diego, California, and was on the ship USS Badger.
I love dogs! I have had a few dogs in my lifetime. I named one of them Tiny. I did not work with any dogs while I was in the Navy.
I will be 93 years old in December! I spend much of my time now reading and visiting with family.
Thank you for writing to wish me a happy Veterans Day. I appreciate it!
Donald Jones
Hi Marrissa
This is Donald. How are you? I was happy that I received a letter from you,. Okay, my favorite subject was biology. My favorite thing to do is fishing and growing a vegetable garden.
Happy that you wanted to learn about veterans. We are the men and women who protect the gates of freedom. I served in the Air Force for four years. I don’t have a service dog; but they are great. Being away from home was hard, but I was always going places and being in training for my job. I had a chance to see the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. That was great.
Take care and stay in school, and obey your parents.