Lt. Col. Dan Coombes of the United States Marine Corps and alum of St. Jude School paid a special visit to the members of the 3rd and 4th grade classes on Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Coombes came to thank the students for their help in collecting five boxes of school supplies for children affected by the war in Afghanistan. He said supplies like the ones in the boxes are often the only supplies the Afghan people get to start up a school. He noted the
eagerness of the Afghan people, especially the children, who are grateful for the donation and excited to begin learning, even in schools that may not have a roof and four walls.
Another box of cards and treats were sent to the soldiers by the members of the 3rd grade Brownies, Troop 88.
Lt. Col. Coombes' nephew, Gabe Hall, is a member of the 3rd grade class.
His teacher, Mrs. Monica Provenzano, also taught Lt. Col. Coombes when he
was at St. Jude. Lt. Col. Coombes is a member of the reserves but
volunteered to return to active duty last year. He currently lives in
Dowellsville, Va. with his wife and child.
All participating St. Jude students