Pocono News Section

A different side to the war in Afghanistan

A different side to the war in Afghanistan - Friday, July 11, 2008 at 5:53PM EST

Friday, Jul 11, 2008 @ 05:53pm EST

Some U. S. soldiers in Afghanistan are getting ready to set down their weapons, and pass out school supplies.

A program that's running out of Susquehanna County called "student to student" is making it happen.

Eleanor Meyer of Kingsley is sorting through bags she's sending in Afghanistan .

The bags are headed to her son Army National Guard captain Thomas Meyer.

He's been in Afghanistan since February.

A few weeks in, he asked for school supplies, so he could pass them out to Afghan children.

"What a worthwhile wonderful project. It certainly shows the other side of why our men are there. Because they are there for other purposes than to fight a war," says Meyer.

The Meyer family reached out to elementary schools, churches and libraries in Susquehanna County .

In a few months, they had 325 bags, and boxes of school supplies.

Meyer’s dad put a special touch on the boxes, spray-painting the boxes army camouflage.

Bruce Meyer says, "Those kids over there are really going to appreciate this, and they need it. If our kids in our schools realized what the kids over there are going through it would open there eyes. Maybe this will help."

Meyers' wife Marianne shares a smile looking at all the donated goods.

"I don't think he comprehends how much is going to be coming, for them to hand out," says Marianne Meyer.

Meyer says her husband's request doesn't surprise her.

"I think he was born for this, he's a very giving person here. Whether it's through the church or through the community," says Meyer.

And hopefully, through these supplies, Meyers can help a new community.

If you'd like to help this project, you can mail donations to:

Student to Student, Rural Route One, Box 60 , Kingsley , Pennsylvania . 18826.