From Groton to Afghanistan: Special Holiday Wishes
Inspired by a Groton School alumnus currently serving in Afghanistan, students are preparing care packages for members of his Army platoon and writing letters to American troops overseas. On Thursday, students will load boxes with energy bars, candy, and other small food items for John Noh ’06 and his platoon.
Last year, just after the holidays, Ally Dick ’14 and Leah Mozzer ’14, with the help of Bubba Scott '11, motivated their schoolmates to write letters to American troops. Bubba's brother, Carlo Scott '03, was just returning from a tour of duty in Afganistan with the U.S. Navy. Students wrote more than 80 letters in that first effort. This year, Ally and Leah have spearheaded the effort again and collected at least 80 letters, with more still coming in from the Groton community.
Last year, just after the holidays, Ally Dick ’14 and Leah Mozzer ’14, with the help of Bubba Scott '11, motivated their schoolmates to write letters to American troops. Bubba's brother, Carlo Scott '03, was just returning from a tour of duty in Afganistan with the U.S. Navy. Students wrote more than 80 letters in that first effort. This year, Ally and Leah have spearheaded the effort again and collected at least 80 letters, with more still coming in from the Groton community.
The care packages are a new addition to the GCS effort; after last year’s letter-writing campaign, GCS board member Danielle Kimball ’13 asked Director of Service and Leadership Nancy Hughes if the school could do something more. Soon after, Hughes heard about Noh from teacher Bobbie Lamont, who has stayed in touch with him.
When Lamont asked Noh what his platoon might need, he responded, “The most needed item here is food (food that doesn't spoil). Junk food/candy and microwavable food (or food that just needs hot water) is the best.” He went on to ask for wipes (“there's always a shortage of toilet paper here”), then told Lamont, “If you send anything to give to the locals/local kids, we can take them out during our missions and hand them out.”
Noh concluded his email with gratitude for any gesture, large or small. “We operate in one of the more dangerous areas in eastern Afghanistan,” he wrote, “so any kind of package from home is always a big morale booster.”
Members of Jen Wallace's history elective, America in Vietnam, have written letters specifically to John Noh and his troops, which will be included in the care packages. Hughes said that GCS hopes to reach out once every term to someone with a Groton connection who is serving our country overseas. The group plans to send its next round of care packages and letters to Carlo Scott, who has returned to Afganistan, and his troop. (Photo by Katie Petroskey '12)
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Noh concluded his email with gratitude for any gesture, large or small. “We operate in one of the more dangerous areas in eastern Afghanistan,” he wrote, “so any kind of package from home is always a big morale booster.”
Members of Jen Wallace's history elective, America in Vietnam, have written letters specifically to John Noh and his troops, which will be included in the care packages. Hughes said that GCS hopes to reach out once every term to someone with a Groton connection who is serving our country overseas. The group plans to send its next round of care packages and letters to Carlo Scott, who has returned to Afganistan, and his troop. (Photo by Katie Petroskey '12)
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