Every year, people from across the country stand together on Nov. 11 to honor those who fought for our freedom. Veterans Day is a time of celebration for those who have sacrificed everything to protect others’ liberties.
The Blue Star Mothers of Mayes County in Oklahoma is a group committed to supporting soldiers year-round. Each month, this group packs 91 care packages that are sent overseas to active duty servicemen and women. The Salina FFA Chapter embodied “Living to Serve” by also showing up for these servant leaders.
Each year, Salina Public Schools hosts a Veterans Day program to honor local veterans and active duty soldiers. In the past, Salina FFA showed its appreciation by serving a lunch before the program for veterans and their families. However, this year the chapter was tasked with a new responsibility of planning and executing not only the lunch, but also the entire program.
When reflecting on the previous programs, the chapter officer teams and advisors Crystal Pritchett and Matthew Breedlove knew there had to be more they could do to actively show their gratitude and support of those in the armed forces.
The Blue Star Mothers of Mayes County is always highlighted during the program and typically receives a check from the school’s football team. Funds are annually raised during a veterans appreciation football game, where players wear the name of a veteran in their life, and jerseys are auctioned off to raise money for the Blue Star Mothers of Mayes County.
After much thought, Salina FFA decided to supplement this donation with a school-wide community service project. The district committed to collecting items and packaging 50 care packages to present to the Blue Star Mothers of Mayes County.
Clubs, sports teams and students in kindergarten through 12th grade brought in items, wrote letters and created pictures to be put in the boxes. The FFA chapter then assembled the packages and presented them to the Blue Star Mothers of Mayes County during the school’s annual Veterans Day assembly.
These members are not only committed to “Living to Serve,” but also honoring those taking the FFA motto to the highest level.
