My Soldier - Supporting the Troops
On June 21st, 2007, soldiers from the 155th CSSB Battalion were invited to Manhattanville College for a farewell and appreciation dinner, just before they were deployed to Afghanistan.
This was part of Manhattanville My Soldier, a pen pal program for troops who fight overseas. My Soldier takes the classic elements of being a pen pal and adds some modern commodities to make soldiers feel more at home, wherever they are. Although hand-written letters are a huge part, American pen pals have been known to send their pen pal soldiers anything from Beef Jerky to X-Boxes, and no letter or gift goes unappreciated. This dinner was just one of many events that the My Soldier program holds for troops.
When I heard about this dinner, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to shoot the event — not just because it was being held and thrown by Manhattanville College (where I spent 4 years of my life as an undergrad), but also because the story of this program has always touched me. What seemed like only yesterday, was a young me, sitting as a sophomore in my Oral Presentation and Communication class when I noticed my classmate, my friend, Juan Salas was not in class. Before the lecture started, my professor announced that Juan had been deployed to Iraq and was now fighting there as a sergeant.
We were all shocked — none of us had even known he was in the army! 14 months later he finally returned to welcome arms. His seat in that class, well ALL his classes, had been saved for him. As he picked up his college education right where he had left off, he started the My Soldier program with the help of Richard Berman, President of Manhattanville College, and Anne Gold, a communications professor.
Being up there to shoot the event was an amazing experience for me. It was great to see my old college president, my friend Juan — now a lieutenant, and it was great being in the presence of all those soldiers. Being around them humbled me, although not as much as seeing some of my old friends — kids I went to parties with and had lunch with in the cafe — actually working for My Soldier.
This program inspired them to help the cause, it inspired me to bring some publicity to it, and I hope it inspires you too!
To see the full interviews with each of the soldiers you may click on “view list” and select a particular soldier, or simply wait till the end of the video. Each interview will play automatically
Heather Freudenthal is a ScribeMedia.Org Associate Producer. She is a firm believer in using duck-tape to solve any problem.
This video has not only brought me inspiration, but inspiration for my sons and family knowing that my little brother is looking great and healthy. I thank you for the brief video on Carlos Perez. It has made me realize that he wants to serve his time for the United States. I am comfortable knowing he is currently safe. His big sister Deanna, Freddie, Frederic and God son who loves him very much Aaron Wilfong.
I’m already a registered correspondant. However, I lost my bracelet due to an unfortunate incident and I would like to request a replacement. I have been wearing mine since I recieved it and now feel almost “lost” without it. I’m a 21 yr Air Force Veteran and would like you help thanxs address 209 Fairway Terrace N. Clovis ,NM 88101
Please contact My Soldier directly at mysoldier@mville.edu to receive a new bracelet.
Thanks.
i relly respect this and i look up to them ?
keep up the good work
i would like to thank you all for fighting the war for us and our freedom too. i am looking for a pen pal to write too. thank you. Jane beddow