Pocono News Section

Children Spread Holiday Cheer to Soldiers Overseas

Children Spread Holiday Cheer to Soldiers Overseas - Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 @ 05:40pm EST
WEATHERLY, CARBON COUNTY -- Some children in Weatherly spread holiday cheer to Pennsylvania Patriots stationed half a world away.

The kids sent cards to soldiers in Iraq. Tuesday they watched as the soldiers opened the cards and talked with them live with them from their school.

Straight from Iraq, Melanie McCracken is talking to students at Weatherly Elementary. She and her fellow soldiers received a special package from them.

Sergeant John Strizak has two teenagers in the school district. His wife, baby son, and other family members were able to take part, too.

"It was cool seeing all those little kids go up there, saying that stuff to him and singing and just seeing his face,Ó he said.

The students also read to the soldiers. The school has talked with active duty soldiers before. Superintendent Frank Victor said, "It actually began when we were preparing for VeteransÕ Day and our technology coordinator and supervisor said we have the ability to communicate with a base in Iraq."

This time, it was priceless for the Strizak family. JohnÕs wife Renee said, "I get to see him on the computer at home, but with all the kids doing that, it just touched me. I just wanted to cry."

ItÕs been a challenging year with a new baby, and the absence of a dad on Thanksgiving, and now Christmas. JohnÕs daughter Samantha said, "I didnÕt get to see him across the table. But there's always next year to have with him. But itÕs just definitely not the same."

He'll be home next month. For now holiday cheer will have to do from a school that goes the extra mile.