Soldier's Story Inspires Teenagers
National Guardsman tells of service in Iraq
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LANCASTER -- A group of troubled Fairfield County teenagers heard a speech from an Ohio native who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ohio Army National Guard Sgt. John Snyder of Youngstown spoke to about 80 boys and girls at the Crossroads Center for Youth in Lancaster. The youth facility serves boys and girls 11 to 19 years old who are on probation for misdemeanor crimes and who live in the county.
Snyder is a member of the Charlie 216th Engineers Battalion. The 39-year-old soldier was deployed last December. He has been home for the last 12 days.
Snyder said he wanted to make sure the students learned one thing about the war.
"There's a little something more than just the media," said Snyder. "(At least there's) something other than what they show on (television). The (television) seems to be sensationalizing the amount of dead and the fighting."
Snyder is stationed at Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq. He said his squad is involved in construction, and he has been a part of building a chapel, a pavilion and a runway and worked on a bridge.
The soldiers stationed in Iraq are allowed to watch football and NASCAR, and have access to Burger King, Subway and Pizza Hut, Snyder said.
Snyder also is a correctional officer for the Department of Youth Services in Circleville. His speaking engagement with the at-risk youth was arranged by a friend at the department.
"It's good to be doing something positive," Snyder said. "How many opportunities do you get to meet kids in this situation and maybe give something positive to them other than just what's in their lives? Since I work for DYS, hopefully I don't see any of these youth."
Nineteen-year-old Luke Danner has been attending Crossroads for more than four years. Danner said he liked hearing Snyder speak, and also likes the dedication and sacrifice made by U.S. soldiers.
"I think it's fascinating he's willing to take the ultimate sacrifice for his country," Danner said. "I think it opened a couple people's eyes."
Samantha Aisel has been attending Crossroads for five months. Aisel said she has a lot of Marines in her family. She said she appreciated how Snyder explained the daily routine of some of the active servicemen.
"A lot of times (servicemen and women) don't talk about it," said Aisel, 18. "For (Snyder) to talk about it, I hold a great amount of respect for him."
Crossroads Assistant Director Rick McFarland said he hopes the students understood the message Snyder was trying to convey. McFarland also said the talk was to enlighten the youth on the sacrifices made by the military.
"I was hoping by him coming here, (the kids) can get a better understanding of what's really going on in Iraq for the common soldier," McFarland said, "so that they have a better understanding of what's going on over there."
McFarland believes the mission was accomplished.
~carebear~
Link
Ohio Army National Guard Sgt. John Snyder of Youngstown spoke to about 80 boys and girls at the Crossroads Center for Youth in Lancaster. The youth facility serves boys and girls 11 to 19 years old who are on probation for misdemeanor crimes and who live in the county.
Snyder is a member of the Charlie 216th Engineers Battalion. The 39-year-old soldier was deployed last December. He has been home for the last 12 days.
Snyder said he wanted to make sure the students learned one thing about the war.
"There's a little something more than just the media," said Snyder. "(At least there's) something other than what they show on (television). The (television) seems to be sensationalizing the amount of dead and the fighting."
Snyder is stationed at Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq. He said his squad is involved in construction, and he has been a part of building a chapel, a pavilion and a runway and worked on a bridge.
The soldiers stationed in Iraq are allowed to watch football and NASCAR, and have access to Burger King, Subway and Pizza Hut, Snyder said.
Snyder also is a correctional officer for the Department of Youth Services in Circleville. His speaking engagement with the at-risk youth was arranged by a friend at the department.
"It's good to be doing something positive," Snyder said. "How many opportunities do you get to meet kids in this situation and maybe give something positive to them other than just what's in their lives? Since I work for DYS, hopefully I don't see any of these youth."
Nineteen-year-old Luke Danner has been attending Crossroads for more than four years. Danner said he liked hearing Snyder speak, and also likes the dedication and sacrifice made by U.S. soldiers.
"I think it's fascinating he's willing to take the ultimate sacrifice for his country," Danner said. "I think it opened a couple people's eyes."
Samantha Aisel has been attending Crossroads for five months. Aisel said she has a lot of Marines in her family. She said she appreciated how Snyder explained the daily routine of some of the active servicemen.
"A lot of times (servicemen and women) don't talk about it," said Aisel, 18. "For (Snyder) to talk about it, I hold a great amount of respect for him."
Crossroads Assistant Director Rick McFarland said he hopes the students understood the message Snyder was trying to convey. McFarland also said the talk was to enlighten the youth on the sacrifices made by the military.
"I was hoping by him coming here, (the kids) can get a better understanding of what's really going on in Iraq for the common soldier," McFarland said, "so that they have a better understanding of what's going on over there."
McFarland believes the mission was accomplished.
~carebear~
Link
J/K 