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Hernando Today

'Soldier Gary' Visits His Pen Pals

Do soldiers have ice cream in Iraq?

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By LINNEA BROWN

Hernando Today

Published: May 19, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - BROOKSVILLE - Do soldiers have ice cream in Iraq? Friday morning, the second-graders in Josephine Maher's class at Pine Grove Elementary School learned the answer during a surprise visit from a particularly significant hero: "Soldier Gary," the U.S. soldier stationed in Iraq that they've been corresponding with all year.
"How many of you thought he was going to be this big?" Maher said, standing on her tiptoes next to Rodgers, 35, who arrived in full uniform and shared a breakfast of doughnuts and juice with the children.
Giggly and dazzled, the students shot shy glances at the soldier and took turns trying on his camouflage helmet and lifting his hefty bulletproof vest.
The children have been corresponding with U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Gary Rodgers — dubbed "Soldier Gary" by the children — since September, when they noticed his photograph in teacher Barby LeBlanc's computer lab. He is her cousin.
A Brooksville native, Rodgers, 35, recently returned from a 10-month stint at Camp Taji, where he worked as a logistics expert for the largest transportation unit in Iraq.
But those details were irrelevant to the youngsters. They wanted to know what their beloved "Soldier Gary" does for fun, or if soldiers get gifts for Christmas.
"It was Christmas every time I opened a box from you guys," Rodgers said, referring to the students' monthly care packages of homemade cards, cookies and flavored drink mix. "We shared everything you sent. Everyone enjoyed them."
"Do you have chocolate milk in Iraq?" wondered Allison Holliday, 7.
Rodgers explained that soldiers in his camp had the luxury of shelf-stable chocolate milk, as well as Baskin-Robbins with six flavors of ice cream. They also had a McDonalds and Burger King inside a military trailer.
He said his favorite lunch in Iraq was getting to eat steak and shrimp each Sunday, and that he drives a Polaris truck there. While soldiers do not have pets, he told the children that there are regular sightings of camels and foxes, as well as a pigeon with a broken leg that took a liking to their camp.
Rodgers also passed around several bills of Iraqi currency, known as dinar, explaining their exchange rates.
The visit was orchestrated as a complete surprise for the children, who did not know Rodgers would be returning home.
Members of the community pitched in, with employees at the Brooksville Wal-Mart donating supplies and the school's outgoing and incoming principals — Dave Dannemiller and Earl Deen — also stopping by.
In January, Rodgers sent the students a new American flag, flown in their honor above Camp Taji. It now hangs in their classroom.
This time, the students returned the favor, presenting Rodgers with a butterfly house with an American flag on it, symbolizing freedom.
"Thank you for making this a better world," said Dylan Masson, 7.
Maher said the most important lesson the students are getting is that of a personal connection to someone serving the country in a time of war.
"We've really focused on staying positive," she said, explaining that his letters have served as valuable learning tools for teaching of Sunshine State Standards and more.
Rodgers, who now lives in Coleman, Ala., with his two sons, described the visit as "emotional."
"It feels good, now that my nerves have calmed down," he intoned, admitting that he felt nervous prior to walking into the classroom unannounced.
A broad smile crossed Rodger's face as he stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance with the children, hearing their daily addition: "And please keep Soldier Gary safe."

Reporter Linnea Brown can be reached at 352-544-5289 or lbrown@hernandotoday.com.

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