DELAURO, LOCAL VETERAN JOIN WEST HAVEN MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HONOR VETERANS

New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) visited Bailey Middle School in West Haven, CT today to speak to the students about Veterans Day and learn about their participation in Operation Gratitude.

Operation Gratitude sends over 100,000 care packages to deployed troops, recuperating soldiers and their families annually. The packages include snacks, entertainment items, and a personal letter of appreciation. Led by 8th grade teacher Sarah Vinci, students participate in this program as a way to honor our troops, understand the commitment they have made and learn more about the military. The students write letters of appreciation several times a year to be included in these care packages.

Joining the Congresswoman was U.S. Army veteran Paul Tarbox of Orange, CT. Tarbox served in Iraq and detailed his experiences in a series of reports called "Letters from Iraq." After seeing a photo of President Obama walking past a headstone in Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60, where those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried, Tarbox wrote to him. The headstone belonged to Tarbox's friend Joe Phaneuf, who was killed in Afghanistan. He wrote about how "the true lesson of Arlington ... is that each headstone is that of a patriot. Each headstone shares a story." President Obama included excerpts from Tarbox's letter in his remarks on Memorial Day earlier this year.

"Since the founding of our republic, American soldiers have been the guardians of our freedom. We can never take them for granted – the sacrifices they and their families have made, and the peace they have secured. Right now, even as our troops come home from Iraq, many fight overseas in Afghanistan. So it is great to see our local students taking the time to give back to them by writing letters and contributing to these care packages through Operation Gratitude. It lets our soldiers know, at a very hard time for them and their families, that their service is recognized and appreciated by us back home," said Congresswoman DeLauro.

"There are approximately 22,000 Americans that have been deployed from Connecticut since September 11, 2001. We have over 222,000 veterans in our state. I am proud to be here today to help honor all of the brave men and women who serve our country and defend our liberties. To the veterans like Paul among us today, and the family members of active troops and veterans, thank you for your service. You are heroes to us all, and we honor your commitment and your sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families on this day of remembrance."