Greenville School Students Use Internet For Valuable Lessons

For a group of third-grade students at , a project on Tuesday gave them the chance to learn a unique lesson thanks to the help of the Internet.

In Rosemarie DePaolis' class, the students got the chance to talk to Air Force Major Lynn Robinson. Robinson is currently serving in Afghanistan, but took the time to talk about his experiences overseas through SKYPE.

DePaolis said the chance to talk to Robinson was invaluable for her class members. "The children have been able to learn more about our nation's military as well as the sophistication and skill it takes for men and women to serve our country by corresponding with Major Robinson in various ways." 

The bond between the officer and the class started last month when Robinson went to Greenville before deploying for the third time to the Middle East. At that time DePaolis said he told her class "about the hardships of war and the challenges he endures being so far away from home," she said. "While these challenges are to say the least, difficult, he also expressed the enormous gratification he and his squad receive for protecting the people of our country and defending the many freedoms our nation is built upon."

Even with the time difference and Robinson's responsibilities overseas, he still took the time to talk to the students about his experiences on active duty. DePaolis said the students asked him a wide variety of questions, ranging from what the weather is like to his duties in the armed forces. The students were also curious as to whether he had had any interaction with camels while patrolling in the desert. 

In spite of everything he has accomplished over the years in the service of his country, the teacher said one of his most impressive qualities is his modesty. When he was asked whether he was a hero or not, Robinson said he was just glad to be able to serve his country. 

He also said that he and his fellow soldiers were very appreciative of all the support they have received from their friends, loved ones and communities back home. The Greenville School is set to continue that support on Friday when the hold a "Spirit Day." 

The children are being asked to wear red, white and blue for the day and are also being asked to donate a quarter each. The money raised will be used to buy a Kindle for Robinson. DePaolis said soldiers overseas like Robinson use the handheld reading devices to connect with family at home by reading the same books at the same time.

Not only will the students be raising money for a Kindle, but the Parent Teacher Organization is also planning on sending a care package of snacks and goodies to Robinson and his squadron. During his time with the students, Robinson told them that the pilots and crews of the planes will take the snacks with them for their time in the air. 

Although he is a world away, DePaolis said Robinson's experiences have given her class the chance to learn about places and things that they might not have otherwise had the opportunity to otherwise. She also said that while Robinson was thankful for their support, it also made her class more appreciative of what he and the other men and women overseas do for them on a daily basis.