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Show etim April 10, ..-.- h ; ..I A ' 4 kS 2003 fc .""" Hill youth begin journey around world By Beth Young Hilltop Times staff Children at Hill's Youth Center are going global the old fashioned way. In a world of modems and ever changing technology, the center's Journey Around the World Club gives its members the chance to make friends with others their age who live in Air Force bases located in exotic, far away places, simply with pen and paper. "The pen pal club not only develops the children's writing and social skills but they also learn about other cultures and countries," said Lynn Salazar, School-agprogram coordinator. Hill's youth center opened the lines of communication last summer by sending packages to youth centers located at Air Force bases in Japan, England, Germany, Italy and Alaska. The packages included letters, a disposable camera and a small stuffed animal. "Japan sent back chopsticks, fans and the stuffed dog wearing a kimono. That is neat for the children because they know that their stuffed animal has gone over there and back," Amy Gould, program assistant in charge of club. "One of e ... . i - i "111 lr i W the groups even took their animal on field trip to a butterfly museum." In addition to the globetrotting stuffed animals, the Alii 1 ... snrr- - : " - " ." r,ll r-'- -a , club also received pictures of their pen pals at some of their favorite places. Even with all V the souvenirs, what causes the most excitement are the response letters. "It is very exciting (when we get letters back) because ! WW 1. in we make new friends and meet new people," said Sybrina club memArcher, ber. "When they get a response they will read it then immediately write back. am constantly for them that is the being asked 'do I have a letter yet?' Gould. said biggest thrill," While the children are many miles apart, their interests 1 IftMJftiifMriililH nrHHWIIilWilHlHllMlH iff l miWIMIMTirf MMJlM aren't. The letters are filled with conversations about Oft pets, favorite foods and annoying younger siblings. The pen pals also use the letters to find comfort in that there are children like themselves all over the world. "Dear Laurie, my friend, I know you are far from the place you love and I am homesick too," wrote one pen pal from Japan. "It is kind neat because all of these kids are in the same boat from traveling around so much (in the military) Then to be able to write to one another, they get to see that they are not alone," said Gould. . Through the letters the children have.learned about castles in England and that there are McDonalds in Germany. However the most important lessons are a little more subtle. "I've learned I can know someone and be their friend just by writing to them," said Kacie Smith, 8 years bid. The original goal of the club, to improve the children's writing skills, is being met wonderfully, says Gould, who has noticed that ustonly has the grammar of the letters improved but also rh way the children express themselves. The children have also taken an interest in culture and geogmany asking to see where the country they are raphy writing to is on the map. As it turns out improved writing skills is just one of the many benefits of the club. "This is result oriented. It helps them to understand long term goals," said Gould. "The kids are always going and going, so for them to come in, sit down and concentrate to write a letter that is an awesome to see." Photos by Beth Young Sybrlna Archer, 8, drafts a letter to a foreign friend thousands of miles away. -- l ,t rawBP i .4. Most of the club members are not too aware of their improved writing or geography skills, when asked about the best parts of the pen pal club, they have a different opinion. "I just like making new friends. I get to know more about these people and different cultures. Mostly everything (is the best part)," said Haleigh Cannalte, 8 years old. rr"""" tKjasB. ""gaana111 11111 (Above) As club members work on their letters, Amy Gould, program assistant, is there to help with spelling, grammar or even to keep the conversation flowing. u,,.,,j 3 MMmkMJL, in j F" Archbishop visits Hill, discusses war in Iraq by Gary Boyle Hilltop Times staff s I The Archdiocese for the Military Services of the United States, Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, visited Hill Sunday and Monday as part of a tour he is taking of 45 installations in the western United States. Commissioned to serve those employed I Master Sgt. Stephanie Rodriguez Chiefs honor Sharp troop Master Sgt. Stephanie Rodriguez received a Sharp Performer card from Chief Master Sgt. Gale L. Gilmore, representing the Hill AFB Chiefs Group, in recognition of her efforts setting up the fall Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony. The event would have been changed to a once per year ceremony if not for her efforts, Gilmore said. COPY in national defense and federal service overseas the archbishop provides counsel to military personnel and families at 220 installations in 29 countries, patients in 172 Veterans Administration hospitals and is responsible for federal employees serving in 134 countries. He came to Utah to visit Protestant and Catholic chaplains, meet with the Bishop of Salt Lake City, George Niederauer, and give counsel and support to service good judgment of our civilian and military leaders. They're doing the job they have sworn to do and deserve our support." Speaking to an intimate gathering of airmen during breakfast at the dining facility, O'Brien said paci-fishas never been an option in Christianity, especially in Catholicism, and told the story of a Samaritan who found a traveler who had been bru Hill-cre- st tally attacked dying along the side of a road. The Samaritan took the wounded traveler to an inn, telling the keeper to tend to the traveler and spare no expense and that he would return in a few days to pay for his lodging and services rendered. The bishop asked what if the Samaritan had arrived earlier and seen the attack take place, would not his responsibility lie in intervention in the hopes of ending the so military members who are involved in the effort. The future is unclear. The stress on children and spouses are not always seen immediately, but in time it has great effect. Our chaplains are dealing with this everyday clear answers. Our Catholic bishops have said that well meaning and either side of justification. Not all the factors are known to us and military people have to have faith in the e nt as are our commanders," said O'Brien. There is a question on the morality of the war we are in and there are no on - full-tim- members at Hill. "There is real tension and stress. The whole nation is preoccupied by what is going on in Iraq, even more well reasoning people can come down assault instead of standing back allowing it to happen and then provide assistance. "There arc- individual groups within the church who are well meaning socially sensitive Catholics, generous with their lives and most admirable in their lifestyle, but I would say radical in their questions of morality. Sometimes war is necessary but only as a last result." said O'Brien. "War is a sign we have failed. That the human family has not lived up to its responsibilities in regards to cooperating with one another. It's a sin in the human condition." The archbishop serves 1.5 million Catholics and is aided by over 1,000 as chaplains priests serving on loan from 142 dioceses and 44 religious communities. Integrity, service and excellence are part of the calling to the priesthood and the bishop is hopeful that military members may heed that calling when their career in uniform comes to a close. "We need chaplains and priests. I encourage people to think about what happens after this. About of our seminaries in the country have prior military experience. I think the military profession has always seemed noble in Christianity and there are people who are in the military who could really help as priests and chaplains," said O'Brien. For more information about the Archbishop and to read some of his statements go to the 75th Air Base Wing aula.- 4m Photo by Gary Boyl Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, the Archdiocese for the Military Services of the United States, offers a blessing at the POWMIA table located at the Hlllcreast Dining Facility. Chapel website atwww.hill.af.mil chaH'lindex.htm and click on Catholic. |