By Kierra Lanier
Seven years ago, one of U.S. history teacher Cynthia Hasley’s AP students was upset about their father being sent overseas to Iraq. In response, Hasley suggested to adopt the unit and provide it with supplies that they would normally not be able to receive. From that day on, Adopt a Soldier has been supporting soldiers.
Adopt a Soldier is a donation project headed by Hasley. Students and teachers can donate items to be shipped overseas to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It doesn’t matter what you think of the war, the soldiers need to be supported,” Hasley said.
Every school year, Hasley receives a list of names of the soldiers in the unit that she has adopted. Then, she will send out an e-mail asking for a wish list form each soldier. In Hasley’s classroom, there is a box labeled “Adopt a Soldier” in which students can place any items they wish to have shipped overseas. Once she receives a wish list from every soldier, she places a list of items regularly requested by soldiers on the box.
“Especially knowing what kinds of conditions it is overseas, it’s good knowing that we’re giving them a piece of home,” Hasley said. “There are some parts of Afghanistan that are covered in snow and are in need of supplies.”
The common things that most soldiers tend to ask for are food, wash cloths, hand towels, toiletries like soap, and magazines. However, there are restrictions on these requests. Any food sent over has to be in its original, closed package, such as chips and candy. There are also some banned items as well. Hand sanitizer or any other flammable products are not allowed as well as any types of pork products, since in Iraq pork is not consumed at all due to religion.
Many of the units in Afghanistan are near a base that has a PX, which is army grocery store. A PX carries food products, wash cloths, towels, and other essential items. But there are a few units who go out on missions where a PX is nowhere nearby. Therefore, they rely on the supplies sent over by Adopt a Soldier.
“There are some units who are out in the middle of nowhere on a mission without a PX to get supplies or anything,” Hasley said.
In her classroom, Hasley has a tub labeled “Adopt a Soldier.” When the tub has reached a certain line, it is time to ship the products overseas. Hasley uses flat-rate boxes of different sizes. And to help pay for the funds, the teachers hold a Jean Day. Every month, there is about four or five major shipments. Hasley’s fifth block class often helps with packing the items.
“I help out because I grew up in a military family. So I know what it feels like to receive help from others,” junior Matthew Schneck said. “I want to extend the favor.”
If soldiers in Afghanistan were to eventually come back home, Hasley would keep helping out veterans. Her students also want to keep helping out others once all soldiers eventually come home.
“I hope that Adopt a Soldier will translate efforts to another organization that needs help, like children in need,” Schneck said.
The soldiers themselves have also showed their thanks by sending Hasley several plaques that can be found in her room as well as in the front of the school. On the plaques, recognition and thanks are outlined.
Hasley fully supports the soldiers and recognizes the sacrifices that they are making for their country.
“Compared to what they’re doing, what I’m doing is nothing,” Hasley said.