Daughter and first-grade classmates send soldier off to Kuwait with tribute
When U. S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Fulgham dropped by Kosciusko Lower Elementary early this week to drop of his daughter’s snack money, he had no idea where it would lead. Fulgham’s daughter Paisley is a first-grader at the school.
That day, principal Michelle Nowell approached him to thank him for his service. As they talked, Nowell learned Fulgham was set to be deployed to Kuwait. She asked if he would come speak to his daughter’s classroom on Thursday.
“Well actually, he came into the office on Tuesday to make an advance payment on her (Paisley’s) snack in full uniform, and something just kind of hit me and I shook his hand and thanked him for serving our country,” said Nowell. “He shared with me that he leaves for active duty overseas on Friday morning.”
“It was very emotional for us, but it also allowed for Paisley’s classmates to understand and learn about the military and the life of a child whose dad or mom is on active duty fighting for their country,” she said of the teaching moment.
Paisley is a member of Melba White’s class, which was responsible for putting together an emotional and touching tribute to the soon-to-be deployed SSG Fulgham.
The program started with Paisley reading a poem to her father, followed by a prayer from one of her classmates. Four more poems were read by four different classmates before everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
After reciting the pledge, students sang “God Bless the USA” before presenting SSG Fulgham with a gift and refreshments.
“This was so special,” said Fulgham. “Nobody has ever done anything like this and I know myself and any other soldiers would sure appreciate something like this. With all the kids getting together and singing songs and supporting the military, it was a beautiful thing.”
SSG Fulgham deploys tomorrow and won’t be stateside again until the summer of 2019.
