“I know how difficult it is for children in other countries to get the school supplies they need, and I know that we made things a little easier for those students."

"National Guard Staff Sergeant Jay Sheldon is a former New England teacher, and a friend to many in our organization, who has done wonderful things for children in Afghanistan by building and opening schools. In an interview he did with the local paper, he explained that the children in Afghanistan lack basic school supplies because they live in poor, rural areas. He asked the community to collect items to donate to Afghan children.

We placed large school supply collection tubs at schools in two counties, at a supermarket, and at a county fair. We also went to the NDRTA state convention to appeal to other retired teachers for school supplies – and started with the complimentary pens they gave out at the convention. Our newsletter featured an honor roll of people who had donated, and we quickly had all 16 units in the state involved.

Staff Sergeant Sheldon also appeared in many classrooms to explain what the National Guard is doing in Afghanistan and how American kids can help Afghan school children. Some schools prepared specific lesson plans for children about Afghanistan’s geography and culture. It was an excellent way for students and members of the community to learn about the needs of children in Afghanistan and how we might help them.

The support from the community and from across the state was more than we could have hoped for. It meant so much to us to be able to help a fellow teacher and students who deserve a good education.”