Pocono News Section

Soldiers Show Their Appreciation for Misericordia Students

Soldiers Show Their Appreciation for Misericordia Students - Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:45PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Sep 28, 2009 @ 10:45pm EDT
DALLAS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY -- There was a special ceremony for a special American flag Monday. Some Misericordia University students sent a flag and packages to Pennsylvania Patriots serving in Iraq. The soldiers from Ashley returned and showed their appreciation.

From its flag post in Camp Bucca, Iraq, this American flag has returned to Misiericordia University. Student Courtney Sennett said, "It means a lot. It's not what we expected and it's not what we did the projects for."

The flag flew over Camp Bucca on July 4th. It was sent to the 320th Military Police Battalion by students from Misericordia's Occupational Therapy program.

Sarah Terry said, "I felt good doing it and I knew it was going to be meaningful but I didn't think it would have this big of an impact on everybody and it's good to see it today."

The flag was accompanied by 5 care packages. The 320th Military Police Battalion helped guard a jail in Iraq. Soldiers say it was grueling work. Lt. Col. Stacy Garrity said, "To do it day after day after day, those are little pick me ups that I can't say enough about. Soldiers need to know that everybody at home supports them."

Food, hygiene material, sports balls were included in the packages. Some of the materials were shared with Iraqi people visiting their loved ones in the Camp Bucca prison. Student Christine Brandon said, "We're here, we're thinking about them and we're with them because it's hard over there. They don't have their families, they don't have the support of their friends so it's hard."

The 320th Military Police Battalion served one year in Iraq.