Publication:Waukesha Freeman (Conley); Date:Nov 2, 2007; Section:Front Page; Page Number:1A

MARINE MEETS HIS ADOPTED CUB SCOUTS

Local boys sent him letters and packages in Iraq

By KATHERINE MICHALETS Freeman Staff

    EAGLE – The Cub Scouts of Pack 54 had an unexpected workout Thursday at Eagle Elementary School when U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jason Smith showed about two dozen boys what a marine workout is like: extended pushups and jumping jacks.

    While the first-time meeting between Pack 54 and Smith was often was filled laughter and smiles, it was also filled with important lessons for the young Scouts.

    “... it’s scary to be in the war and it’s sad when your friends die in the war,” said Collin Miller, 9, of Eagle.

    Pack 54’s relationship with Smith, 25, started in March when they ‘adopted’ him through Hugs from Home, an organization that matches soldiers serving overseas with a person, family or organization in order for the soldier to receive supportive letters and care packages.

    “As a Cub Master, I wanted to get the boys to understand the war and what was going on,” said Amy Rosno, Cub Master for Pack 54. “I hope that they got a better understanding of the experience of the war.”

    Smith, who hails from North Carolina, served two times in Iraq – each for seventh months – and both tours were in Al-Alsad in Anbar province. He returned from his second tour Oct. 11 and is currently visiting the Chicago area with his wife, Janet.

    “It means a lot more to me to say thank you in person and to show my appreciation,” Smith said.

    Pack 54, whose members are in first through fourth grades, sent Smith many letters and care packages. At the time of correspondence, the pack had 16 members, but that has since grown to 25.

    Tyler Sindler, 6, didn’t write letters to Smith because he wasn’t a member yet, but he said he will write letters to Pack 54’s new adopted soldier.

    “It’s great because I have never met (a military) man before,” he said about meeting Smith.

    During the event, Smith answered many questions from the boys. Sindler asked him, “How does it feel to be home?” “It feels very, very good. Thank you for asking,” Smith said. Tyler Molloy, 7, asked Smith, “What was it like for kids in Iraq ?”

    “They believe in still wanting the best education and they still go to school,” said Smith, adding that Iraqi children play football and soccer.

    Other questions included ones about guns, medals and if Smith was scared in Iraq.

    Smith said he was at times, but “you go through so much training in the Marine Corps that you handle each situation as best as you can.”

    When asked about how long he’ll stay in the Marines, Smith said he would like to stay the maximum length of 30 years. He’s already been in for 7 1/2 years, he said.

    At the end of the discussion time, Smith addressed the Scouts and their leaders by saying with much emotion, “You did an excellent job making sure we knew we were always thought of.”

    Rosno presented Smith with a card, a Packers sweatshirt and a cheesehead.

    “I definitely feel like a cheesehead,” Smith said with a big smile as he tried the hat on.

    In return, Smith made some presentations of his own.

    “(This is) in appreciation for everything you did and for the guys I was with and keeping up our morale,” said Smith.

    He then gave a flag he had flown in Iraq on an anniversary Sept. 11 to Pack 54, along with a certificate.

    For each member of the pack, he gave Iraqi currency and a badge that said “Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. Marine Corps.”

    Michael Miller believes his son has learned many things through his correspondence with Smith.

    “I think he learned to take time out of his life to show appreciation to someone who’s doing something important,” he said.

    Smith, who is currently stationed in Cherry Point, N.C., will next be stationed in Quantico, Va.

Bryon S. Houlgrave/Freeman Staff U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jason Smith demonstrates how push-ups are done in the military during a visit with Cub Scout Pack 54 at Eagle Elementary School on Thursday. The pack adopted Smith, who is stationed in Cherry Point, N.C., during his tour in Iraq, and sent him letters and care packages. On Thursday, he visited the boys to meet them for the first time, and to answer questions about his service to the country.

Bryon S. Houlgrave/Freeman Staff U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jason Smith discusses his medals during a visit with Cub Scout Pack 54 at Eagle Elementary School on Thursday. The pack adopted Smith, who is stationed in Cherry Point, N.C., during his tour in Iraq, and sent him letters and care packages. On Thursday, he visited the boys to meet them for the first time, and to answer questions about his service to the country.