Local middle schoolers start new holiday tradition making care packages for deployed soldiers

MARTINEZ, Ga. (WJBF) – In a week of honoring veterans, one of our local schools is working to serve our soldiers currently serving overseas for the holiday season.

Eighth graders at Augusta Christian have been tasked with bringing in items and making care packages for deployed soldiers as part of a new campus service initiative.

Middle School Principal Paige McLemore says after a fellow staff member, Casie Hill, came to her about the idea, she knew just what to do.

“I have a heart for veterans. My son is a cadet at the Military College of Georgia, and he wants to be an army ranger–we are so proud of him. When Coach Hill came to me and asked me if we could do a mission project, the first thing on my mind was we have to do something for the veterans,” said McLemore.

Before students got to work, school leaders invited Jeremy Tindell and Chuck Simpson—two army veterans—to speak to students about their experiences in combat, and how much the care packages mean to fellow soldiers.

Simpson served for almost 9 years.

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