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Soldiers in Iraq Express Gratitude to Baptist Bible College

As a result of Baptist Bible College students' involvement in the Flat Stanley program, American soldiers of the 54 th Medical Company of 86 th Combat Support Hospital Task Force South responded with a display of their gratitude. Along with a Certificate of Appreciation, the First Team Eagle Medics from Camp Adder, Iraq, have sent BBC an American flag that was flown over Iraq by an UH60 Black Hawk Medevac Helicopter. The flag, which was flown in Iraq on April 21, 2005, will be displayed in the education wing as a reminder of the contact with the troops.

The Certificate of Appreciation addressed to Baptist Bible College & Seminary reads, “On behalf of the soldiers, NCOs, and Officers of Task Force 86 South, we wish to express our thanks to your valuable support and care for our troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Sergeant Raymond Cruz, who was influential in the sending of the flag and Certificate of Appreciation, wrote in an email that the flag was “in appreciation for everything that you and your group did for us.”

BBC students and faculty of the Education Department gathered this past February to prepare the Flat Stanleys to be sent to American soldiers serving in Iraq. Each group of three or four students cut out, decorated, and wrote on their Flat Stanley and then sent it to a soldier. The Stanleys included pictures of the students as well as contact information for soldiers who wished to keep in touch. In the following weeks, students also prepared 17 care packages to be sent to the soldiers. All the Flat Stanleys and care packages were sent to Sergeant Jonathan Hicks, who oversaw their distribution. Through the program, the students hoped to encourage the soldiers by showing their appreciation for the sacrifice each American soldier is making.

The Flat Stanley program began as a book written by Jeff Brown, in which a bulletin board falls on Stanley and flattens him. Now, at only an eighth of an inch thick, a Stanley can be mailed in an envelope and can transfer information, pictures, and greetings. The Flat Stanleys, which have been used to connect students in elementary classrooms, are now being used to connect American soldiers in Iraq with fellow Americans.

Amber Cutting, a former BBC employee, was a participant in the program. Due to the Flat Stanley program she has been involved in correspondence with Sergeant Raymond Cruz since February 2005. She has been able to encourage him in his service, as well as, learn about life for the soldiers in Iraq. Amber feels that it has been a privilege to interact with Sergeant Cruz. “It has been beneficial for me because I've had a personal view of how they live. I've had a personal connection to the people over in Iraq,” she said.


Posted on: 10/12/2005 12:28:37 PM

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