2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Letters help soldiers cope in Iraq
Mark Behncke
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Lifestyle
Since 2003, soldiers around the world have been in Iraq serving their countries for operation Iraqi Freedom. While these soldiers may be far away from their homes, the UW-Whitewater Golden Key organization is making sure their sacrifices are acknowledged.
The Golden Key is an international honor society that stresses community service, career development, and searches out charity work to better serve the communities around them. After searching out potential ideas, senior Marc Heimerl, president of the university chapter, decided to go beyond local service.
"I felt we were limiting ourselves to just activities on campus," Heimerl said. "The idea our organization decided to pursue seemed like it would have a positive impact that we hoped would get a response from students."
The idea that Heimerl and his organization decided to pursue involved writing letters to soldiers that were currently serving in Iraq. The idea was an event that his organization had previously had success with in other international chapters.
"It was an idea that the Golden Key had done before," Heimerl said. "It's something I felt was needed. I had a friend who had served overseas who I wished I could have been able to contact while he was there."
Heimerl then forwarded the idea to advisor Kim Marino who has assisted the group since 2001.
"He asked me if it was a good idea. I whole heartedly agreed that it was worthwhile," Marino said. "I have known three people who have served during this war. It is the courage of these people that motivate me to want to let them know we support them."
During the week of March 18 students were encouraged to write letters and drop them off in boxes across campus. Heimerl's own letter was dedicated to his appreciation for what soldiers have to endure during their service overseas.
"My letter was really appreciative," Heimerl said. "I imagine how difficult it is from their perspective, they go through terrible conditions. I feel a small gesture like this can go a long way."
The Golden Key is an international honor society that stresses community service, career development, and searches out charity work to better serve the communities around them. After searching out potential ideas, senior Marc Heimerl, president of the university chapter, decided to go beyond local service.
"I felt we were limiting ourselves to just activities on campus," Heimerl said. "The idea our organization decided to pursue seemed like it would have a positive impact that we hoped would get a response from students."
The idea that Heimerl and his organization decided to pursue involved writing letters to soldiers that were currently serving in Iraq. The idea was an event that his organization had previously had success with in other international chapters.
"It was an idea that the Golden Key had done before," Heimerl said. "It's something I felt was needed. I had a friend who had served overseas who I wished I could have been able to contact while he was there."
Heimerl then forwarded the idea to advisor Kim Marino who has assisted the group since 2001.
"He asked me if it was a good idea. I whole heartedly agreed that it was worthwhile," Marino said. "I have known three people who have served during this war. It is the courage of these people that motivate me to want to let them know we support them."
During the week of March 18 students were encouraged to write letters and drop them off in boxes across campus. Heimerl's own letter was dedicated to his appreciation for what soldiers have to endure during their service overseas.
"My letter was really appreciative," Heimerl said. "I imagine how difficult it is from their perspective, they go through terrible conditions. I feel a small gesture like this can go a long way."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Colin
posted 5/31/08 @ 3:03 PM CST
Dear Courteous Reader,
Perhaps letters could be written to soldiers with messages of peace. I believe that is what people are, soldiers of peace, to help the poor, feed the hungry, build wells, houses, roads. (Continued…)
Tyson Halla
posted 6/02/08 @ 2:20 PM CST
Great Job! I was just checking out the Golden Key Newsletter, and there is the great UWW chapter. That's awesome. Let me know of any alumni events coming up, and I'll spread the word to my GK buddies. (Continued…)
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