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Show Page 16 OREM TIMES Thursday May 22, 2008 Candy Bomber drops more than gum on Noah Webster students Melissa Mayntz V,PTHCOUVY STAFF When Colonel Gail Hatvors-en Hatvors-en (USAF Ret.) reenacted his famous Berlin Airlift candy drops for the scholars of Noah Webster Academy on May 9. he dropped much more than small parachutes and packs of gum. Flis message of sharing and service is one that has been remembered and honored for 60 years and it is one that the students can carry on for the rest of their lives. Halvorsen, also known as "the Berlin candy bomber," "Uncle Wiggly Wings" and "Der Schokoladen f lieger" (The Chocolate Flyer), was one of hundreds of pilots involved in the Berlin Airlift. While in EJerlin one day, he met a group of children near the airport and was impressed by their appreciation for freedom, unlike un-like children he'd met in other locations w ho constantly asked American soldiers and pilots for candy and chocolate. All Halvorsen had to give those children was two sticks of gum. but they selflessly shared it and thanked him. The gratitude of those children chil-dren inspired Halvorsen to begin illicitly dropping candy, gum and chocolate with handkerchief hand-kerchief parachutes during the airlift. Word spread about his project, and candy contributions contribu-tions came from other pilots, soldiers, American school children and eventually candy manufacturers. During the airlift, air-lift, more than 20 tons of candy was dropped. Halvorsen's efforts transformed trans-formed how the citizens of Berlin saw the United States, and his kindhearted generosity generos-ity has inspired much selfless giving throughout the world. It was because of that humanitarian humanitar-ian kindness and his enthusiasm enthusi-asm for service that Halvorsen was invited to Noah Webster Academy to share his story with the school's more than 480 scholars. "It's an incredible opportunity opportuni-ty to have him here," Vachelle Johnson, the school's Parent Organization event coordinator, coordina-tor, said. Halvorsen's visit ties in to the scholars' history studies about World War II, including the Berlin Airlift. As part of his presentation, Halvorsen shared his personal experiences experi-ences and showed a video with historical footage of the airlift. Johnson also brought a ration book and ration chocolate box to show the scholars just how precious Halvorsen's donations of candy and chocolate were during the war. According to Johnson, stu dents who can see, touch and interact with history are more likely to remember not only the facts of their lessons, but the messages of service and patriotism those lessons present. pres-ent. 'We wanted to really make history come alive for the kids," Johnson said. Halvorsen did just that as he spoke to the scholars, dividing them into two groups to illustrate illus-trate the division between East and West Germany. During his presentation, Halvorsen emphasized the importance im-portance of being grateful for the gifts you have, just as the children he met 60 years ago were grateful for two sticks of gum. "You need to be grateful as you grow up, boys and girls," he said. "You need to be grateful grate-ful for freedom." That message also ties in to the school's mission statement, state-ment, which emphasizes patriotism, moral virtue and service. Halvorsen's humanitarian humani-tarian efforts demonstrated all three of those qualities. Self government, another of the school's core values, is also a strong part of Halvorsen's candy drops, as he encouraged other soldiers and pilots to donate their candy rations to his initially illegal drops but he vowed to take responsibility fi f 0 f ) MELISSA MAYNTZNorth County Gail Halvorsen interacts with the students of Noah Webster Academy before he reenacted his candy drops on May 9. To demonstrate history to the students, he divided them into groups to simulate East and West Germany. Orchard Park , Care Center Med ilin Utah County SkarsinaEow! -4 5u EXPERTS IN REHABILITATION -D& SENIOR (ARE I l rt D?fflf lit ftKMktf i odftjrnjo tgiii Iijfp4j for his actions. Together, the strong messages mes-sages of Halvorsen's experiences experi-ences coupled with the mission statement and core values of Noah Webster Academy turned a simple candy drop into a powerful lesson. "Regardless of what's going on around you, one person can make a difference," Johnson said. "Look at the happiness you can bring to people when you're willing to serve others." Halvorsen echoed Johnson's sentiments during the closing statements of his presentation, when he said, "If you want happiness in life, serve others." Just like Halvorsen's candy drops, that message is worth far more than just two sticks of gum. SP.EAK.yt OTSTOM EDITOR ONLINE vi-w.herald2x:.c mmmmmmami imnMnimi- WE HAVE ALL YOUR TRUCK NEEDS! INCLUDING LIFT KITS! , c 1 WE OFFER: Superchips Nerf Bars -Vent Visors Turbo & Cat Back Exhaust Kits Bed Caps 'Fender Flairs 'Edge Juice with Attitude! ROCKY'S AMERICAN CAR CARE 397 II. STATE OREM 855-1140 JrANCING1"tlr AVAILABLEI NO INTEREST UNTIL 20O8I i Of u ever UT0 I! Cap and Gown Announcfements Senior Picures graduation YarSic2 i Go online now to get your personalized . 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