Students Pick Hero To Say 'Thank You'
BALTIMORE (WJZ) - Each Thanksgiving 2nd graders at Roland Park Elementary School highlight someone in their community who doesn't get thanked enough for all they do.
Mary Bubala reports one child chose a Maryland soldier who died fighting in Afghanistan.
"He served our country he died as a hero fighting in Afghanistan," said Robbie Franklin.
It was a year ago that 8-year-old Robbie Franklin then a 2nd grader at Roland Park Elementary wrote about a Maryland soldier killed while serving in Afgahnistan.
Specialist Chris Coffland died just before Thanksgiving last year in a Roadside bomb blast.
"He was one of my dad's best friends and he just joined the Army to protect us and save us," said Franklin.
Robbie's teacher turned his project into a special Thanksgiving card and sent it to Coffland's unit in Afghanistan.
Wednesday, two of those soldiers came to thank Robbie and his class for thinking of them and honoring their friend and fellow soldier who died in the line of duty.
"To come in and see the kids and understand the impact that he's had in their lives you know it's just a good way for us to give back to the community and get something back as well," said Corporol Jason Frantom, served in Afghanistan.
Robbie's classmates asked the soldiers about their tour of duty, including why we were at war.
"The fund is going to be directed to returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan to help them integrate back into society whether it's physical, emotional or career oriented," said Lynn Coffland, soldier's sister. "I would just like to say thank you so much for writing that about our friend. It was a tough time for us."
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to say "thank you" to so many of our troops.
