West Essex Write-Up

Through the combined efforts of the Heritage Middle School’s student body, the Student Council, and several students in the Gifted and Talented (GT) program, two “We Support Our Troops Banners” were created, painted, and decorated for two local residents who are presently serving in Iraq.

GT students Frank Luo and Vivian Gao hand-painted the eagles onto the banners while Cindy Chen and Pooja Eppanapally hand painted the letters. The Student Council organized the banner activity during the four lunch periods. In addition to the banners, HMS “Support Postcards” were written and decorated by the students during Teams’ Week. The post cards contained messages of support, thanks, and well wishes. One banner and a set of post cards was sent to 1st Lt Aaron Attermann, who is in the U S Army. 1st Lt Attermann, an executive officer, is serving with the C/1-8 Infantry Regiment and is stationed in Ishaki, Iraq.

The second set was sent to SGT Michael Wishnia, who is a U.S. Marine. SGT Wishnia, a squad leader, is serving with 1st Plt Charlie Co and is stationed in Fallujah, Iraq. Besides sending the students these pictures, both Attermann and Wishnia wrote letters of thanks to the students for the banners, post cards, and support, but mostly, expressed gratitude for the students taking time to write personal messages to these men and their units. They both stated that “it really means a great deal to here from people back home.”

1st Lt Attermann, attended Heritage Middle School and graduated LHS in 1999. SGT Wishnia attended Mt. Pleasant Middle School and graduated LHS in 2000.