Click here for Sgt. Robbins's Story

MEET: SERGEANT BARRETT HORAK

We first adopted Barrett when the war in Iraq started. Barrett was in the first wave of Marines to enter Iraq. He punched through to Baghdad, and was later stationed in Karbala. We sent Barrett letters and SEVERAL boxes of goodies and necessities...this was while troops were still on the move and needed things as basic as wet wipes and eye drops!

When Barrett returned safely in October of that year, we invited him to visit our school. His mom and daughter live in Texas, so it was a nice detour on his way home to see them. We held a special chapel for Barrett, and he was given a Marine Corps scrapbook filled with letters of gratitude for his service, along with a Marine Corps St. Christopher medal blessed by Father Scheel to keep him safe on his future travels.

With Father Scheel With his mom and daughter

After Barrett returned, we adopted Army Stryker Adam Robbins. Click here for Adam's Story

THEN...Barrett and his group of Marines went back to Iraq in 2005, in the "hot zone" of Ramadi. He needed us, and we came through for him! We collected all sorts of goodies and treats to send, and then we did a great project to go with them! Adam's mom and dad donated American flags and yellow ribbons to us. Fourth grade families wrote messages of love and support on the ribbons, which we tied on to the flags. Third graders wrote thank you notes for each Marine's service. We rolled a thank you note inside each flag and sent them to Iraq. We used the treats as "packing material" in our box! Children brought enough treats that we sent the Marines multiple boxes after school was out!

Here we are with our flags and letters! And here are the Marines with our flags in Ramadi! How awesome is THAT???!!!

Barrett is now back home, safe again. We thank God for his safe return to our country and to his family. We had a wonderful day with Barrett when he came back to see us at chapel in December of 2005. We gave him a copy of the two "flag" pictures above with a mat signed by every student who participated, along with a soldier and an American flag Christmas ornament. He presented us with a beautiful Marine Corps plaque thanking us for our support. His dad flew in from Seattle and surprised him, and Adam's dad attended to show support, so it was a great day for everyone!

Barrett is now stationed in Mt. Airy, NC. (yes...that would be Mayberry!) as a Marine recruiter, which means he will not be sent out of the United States for at least three years. For that, we are all very thankful.

Please keep ALL of our military men and women in your thoughts and prayers.

Here are some pictures from his visit:

Showing us our plaque Answering our questions about With his proud dad

his medals

Signing autographs With his fan club

Here are letters we received from some of the Marines who received our flags:

Dear Families of the Parish Episcopal School, (This was the letter read at our Veterans' Day chapel service.)

Hello, my name is Tracy Offutt. I am the 1^st Sgt. of Alpha Company, 1^st Battalion, 5^th Marines. You had sent a package in care of Sgt. Barrett Horak, the Marine you all adopted. I received one of the flags. It warmed my heart. Thank you. Your prayers are being answered every day. Each time a patrol returns safely, we thank God, and your prayers are our shield. The personal notes on the flags are a definite motivato

I would again like to personally thank you for your generous gift. I can say it many times, but it would never come close to letting you know what great Americans you are. The Marines and I appreciate you and your support more than you know. It is people like you that make all we do worthwhile. Please thank all who are involved for us.

Thank you again and Semper Fi, 1^st Sgt. Offutt T.D. (He included his email address, so if anybody wants it, please call Mrs. Fuchs and she will share it.

Dear Students and Staff, Families and Friends of the Parish Episcopal School, (This came written on a poster of the Iraqi people)

I don't know how they got here or who was supposed to get them, but I was the proud recipient of three flags sent by you. I wanted to send you a brief note of thanks. I have hung them in my troop barracks (we call it the "Monkey Cave") here at Camp Hurricane Point at Ramadi, Iraq. I want to send a special thanks to **** (and his dog Lance), **** (who is a Viking specialist) and **** who is a future cartoonist. We are pleased to be in your thoughts and you are in ours.

S/F Major Benjamin Busch, USMC

Dear ****,

My name is Doc Massey. I am a Corpsman with the Marines in Ramadi, Iraq. Thought you would like to know that one of my friends over here also has the same name as you..

I read your letter and saw that you are nine years old in 3^rd grade and have 2 cats. I remember being nine & how much fun I had at that age. I still remember being in the 3^rd grade & when I was growing up I had two cats named Tigger & Arms. Tigger was named because of his color-orange and he bounced around alot. Arms was named because he always tried to touch you with his paws.

I want to thank you for taking the time to write us and let you know how much it meant to us over here. Good luck in school and make sure you have a lot of fun.

Sincerely, Don Massey, USN

Dear Parish Episcopal School,

My name is LCpl Tellez. I have been in the Marines almost 3 years. I am very glad that your school supports us. I am in the infantry. It is a very interesting job which has its ups and downs. Thanks again for your support and keep in touch.

Lance Corporal Tellez, USMC

Here is a letter I received from Barrett's aunt:

As Barrett's aunt, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see your web page and all of the wonderful things you and your students are doing to support my nephew and his fellow soldiers. I can only imagine how much they appreciate your support and enjoy receiving your packages. I know they are uplifted by the flags you sent and all the good wishes that accompany them.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Aunt Dawn