Barberton Intermediate students connect with U.S. soldiers in Korea with letter campaign

In the era of the internet, snail mail still has its perks, students at Barberton Intermediate School found out just in time for Christmas.

More than 200 students at the school participated in a letter-writing campaign, sending wishes to U.S. soldiers based in South Korea. About 50 goody bags were included in the mailing.

The holiday messages were mailed out Dec. 1 and arrived the week of Dec. 11, said Brittany Shaffer, a special education teacher at the school.

'There are people thinking about them'

It didn't take long for the soldiers to respond, thanking the students with emailed photos and video.

Matt Saunders, principal at the 700-student school, said the messages can help boost morale for the overseas soldiers, but also provide a valuable writing activity for the students.

"We had a great showing of kids that wanted to support our military," Saunders said."(It's) awesome for our soldiers to know that there are people thinking about them."

U.S. soldiers respond to Barberton students' letters

In one video provided to students, a U.S. Army captain expresses his thanks.

"I really appreciate the cards and the gifts," he tells the students. "Thank you. Merry Christmas and happy holidays."

Saffer said the students were excited by the soldiers' response to their letters when shown in class.

"They tried to zoom in to see if they could spot their cards," she said.

'Is (Korea) like Hawaii or is it like Ohio?'

Shaffer said she read each message written by students before they were sent, and they overwhelmingly expressed gratitude for the soldiers' service.

"They actually wrote thank you letters," she said. "Thank you for your service, (I) hope you are able to see your family. Is (Korea) like Hawaii or is it like Ohio?"

It's the second year for the activity, and Shaffer said she's hoping it will get even bigger next year.

"I think we are going to try to incorporate the whole school next year," she said. "Student council may want to get involved …"

Students gain awareness of U.S. military's mission

Saunders said the activity helps create awareness of the wider world and the mission of the U.S. military. The Barberton City School District includes military families, he said.

"I don't think, a lot of times, younger people understand there are men and women all over the world protecting them," he said.

About 28,500 U.S. troops are based in South Korea, most of them U.S. Army personnel.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton students bring Christmas cheer to U.S. soldiers in Korea