Hollin Meadows Veteran's Day Spirit Assembly
Nov. 10 2006

Hollin Meadow's quarterly Spirit Assembly, which coincides with Veteran's Day in the fall, featured a special guest visit from former teacher Jim Wise. Mr. Wise, an Army reservist is currently deployed in Iraq. His students visited with him during our spirit assembly via internet video conference. The event was covered by local news affiliates and broadcast live on CNN. (click to see FOX 5 DC's broadcast) Students asked Mr. Wise what has he learned during this experience. Mr. Wise told them he has learned to appreciate all that we have. He spoke of the goals for a better Iraq.

Students made signs wishing Mr. Wise well, and reminding him that they think of him often. One sign read, "Hola Senor Wise," a reference to Mr. Wise's ability to speak spanish with his students. Adrion, a former student of Mr. Wise ended the student question segment by telling Mr. Wise, "We are proud of you, we miss you, and happy Veteran's Day." Major Wise then asked his Iraqi co-worker to say a few words to the assembled students. The message was heartfelt, "We thank you for your family members that you have sent to us to help build Iraq."   In addition to a live segment on CNN's Newsroom, students were also interviewed for the local evening news. "I'm worried that something could happen to him, but at the same time, I'm happy that he's serving our country," said Roberto in his interview.