By Army Sgt. Jon Caraway, Minnesota National GuardTypically the first-grade classes at Lakenheath Elementary School adopt deployed airmen, sending them letters and art projects. In a twist this year, the Redlegs of A battery 1-125 Field Artillery, deployed here to augment the 48th Security Forces Squadron, have adopted nine first-grade classrooms for the duration of their tour here."The idea originated with Christine Moss, a Department of Defense Dependents Schools teacher at RAF Lakenheath, and we ran with it," said Army Maj. John Kolb, commander of Army troops. "Most of us left families back in the states and miss the school events and the opportunity to interact with our kids. This program gives us a chance to volunteer in the classrooms, give some help to the teachers and make some new friends."The program is coordinated by Army Sgt. Jody Reisch, who put together the first presentation about Minnesota and the parts of the state where the soldiers live. "We thought it was important for them to know where we are from and what our home is like," said Reisch. "They were most interested in the snow, Paul Bunyon and Babe the blue ox.""While the kids are discovering Minnesota, we also want them to know that they and their families are important enough to us for us to leave our homes and families to come here to help out," added 1st Sgt. Tom Behrends, Minnesota National Guard. "We hope that someone’s mom or dad can come home early because we are here."There are 27 soldiers participating in the program helping with everything from work centers to art projects. The soldiers meet with their classes at least twice per month during their off-shift periods.
