Published: November 23, 2009 11:54 pm      

Cards for service members

West Virginia service members stationed overseas will receive hand-made Christmas cards from pre-schoolers in the Head Start program at Maben in Wyoming County.

The 4- and 5-year-olds visited the Central West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross in Beckley Monday to present their cards to representatives of the United States armed forces and to talk with Congressman Nick Joe Rahall, D-W.Va.

The event was the kick-off of the third annual Holiday Cards for Heroes hosted by Red Cross and Pitney Bowes. The program enables Americans to send cards to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.

Rahall mingled with the kids, reading the colorful cards and chatting.

“Thinking of you with warm wishes for a bright and happy Christmas season, from Andrew, age 4,” Rahall read.

“Clayton, how old are you, Clayton? ‘May the sights, the songs, and the sounds of Christmas bring joy to your holiday season,’” he read.

One exchange resulted in the congressman being corrected.

“Are you Anastasia?” he asked one little girl, prompting one of Anastasia’s friends to coach Rahall in the proper pronunciation of the name.

“Thank you,” Rahall replied.

The mood was merry inside the decorated room as Sheri McGraw, director of communications and marketing for the local Red Cross chapter, welcomed the kids, their teachers and their parents.

“We want to thank you and your teachers from MountainHeart for coming and sharing with us today,” said McGraw. “We wanted to thank (our military) so much for what they have done for us and for our country, right?

“That’s why we’re here today.”

McGraw explained that the kids’ cards will be delivered to West Virginia soldiers who are serving overseas.

“Every year, we hear back from the soldiers and veterans ... how much they really love these cards and how much they appreciate them, especially when they come from folks your size because they’re heartfelt,” said McGraw.

The children give their cards to several representatives of the armed forces who attended.

Army Lt. Col. David Jones and other military representatives kneeled on the floor to accept cards from the children and to talk to them.

Heather Sweetser, mother of 5-year-old Tanya Sweetser, said Tanya enjoyed making the cards for the soldiers.

“It’s an awesome experience for me to be here, too, to watch her to do it and to take part in her country,” said Sweetser.

Navy QM2 Nicole Lowe said the program is important to her because she received cards from pre-schoolers seven years ago while serving overseas at Christmastime.

“It touched me,” she said. “I still have those cards to this day.

“It was my first time away from home, it was during Christmastime, and I got a whole box of cards. I love it.

“I think it’s the best thing,” she said.

Rahall thanked Red Cross members and turned his attention to the pre-schoolers.

“Thank each of you for making these Christmas cards for our men and women in the military that are not home and cannot be with their families for this Thanksgiving holiday celebration,” he said.

“What you’re sending them will certainly not only show our appreciation and support for what they’re doing to defend our country, but it will make their lives a lot happier as well.”

Rahall said that all Americans owe those in the military a “debt of gratitude.”

“No matter what age, you’re never too young to learn about ... those who have served our country,” said Rahall, “and what they have given this country of our freedom to gather like you are right now, freedom to go to church, freedom to speak ...”

Those who wish to participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program may send cards to service members until Dec. 7.

The mailing address is Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.