Local Soldier Says “Thank You” To Darcey And Son
January 17, 2010 by John Rook
After a few moments of finagling with the computer in the back of the Darcey School classroom, teacher Jane Schmitt pushed the “Play” button and, on the SMART Board in front of her students, appeared the image of Major Michael DeSena.
DeSena, who has been serving in Iraq since last year, as a part of a medical unit, was reading a book about American history to the class as a way to say “thank you” to the students for their support. And, it was also a way for the Major to touch base with a special member of Schmitt’s class: his son, Anthony.
“It was special for all of us, but especially for Anthony, “ said Schmitt. “You could see how much he enjoyed seeing his father there on the screen right in front of him.”
The DVD, made by DeSena in Iraq, was in response to care packages Schmitt and her class assembled and then shipped to him in November. The idea for the care packages began when Schmitt decided she wanted to do something nice for both DeSena and his fellow troops. The veteran educator sent home letters with her students asking for different kinds of items, from DVDs and books to toiletries.
“We collected multiple boxes worth of items,” Schmitt stated. “The children were really so excited.”
During her classroom instruction, Schmitt explained how DeSena was serving in Iraq and helping people there. As a part of the packages, the students also made different cards for the troops, thanking them and sending their best wishes.
“It helped give the kids a different focus for the holidays,” admitted Schmitt. “A lot of times, at this age, they are focused on themselves and what they might be getting. This gave them a real sense of giving.”
The packages were sent off, along with the cards, on their way to Iraq and to the expectant troops. Then, one day in the mail, Schmitt and her classroom received a special gift. DeSena had sent to the class a copy of America: A Patriotic Primer, written by Lynne Cheney. The book is essentially an alphabet book, with American history explained around certain letters. Taped to the front of one of the first pages was a small card and, inside the card, was a mini-DVD.
The note on the card was from DeSena and it read, “I hope this video captures the gratitude that we here in Balad, Iraq have for your thoughts. Awesome (mice) Christmas cards and great gifts.”
“The DVD is him reading the book,” explained Schmitt. “He also explained a little about what he was doing over there, so they were able to get a sense of what it is like.”
For Anthony DeSena, it was a special moment to get to see his father on the SMART Board while in class.
“It was fun,” said Anthony DeSena, when asked about seeing his father. “I was glad my friends got to see it.”
Schmitt admits that watching the video was emotional for her and other teachers present, and still gets somewhat choked up when talking about the experience.
“It makes you feel so good,” said Schmitt, in regards to DeSena thanking her and other faculty during the video. “And, to be able to do (the care packages) with the students was wonderful.”