By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The military holds a special place in the heart of Union City High School English teacher Angelique Killebrew.
Veterans at the VA Medical Center in Memphis receive confirmation of those sentiments every year at this time.
Killebrew’s classes at UCHS sent handmade Christmas cards to the hospital residents recently, continuing a trend she began before joining the faculty of Union City Schools.
Students not only made cards but penned well-wishes and words of encouragement to patients, who’ve delighted in receiving the correspondences in the past, according to hospital personnel feedback.
It is a Killebrew tradition born of a need to bring joy to VA residents shared by her former co-worker Beth Kempton, a school nurse and veteran in a neighboring school system.
And with a family full of military vets, including a son (Airman First Class Weston Jahr) currently serving, it’s easy to understand why Killebrew immediately took up the cause.
“I have several family members who’ve served in the military, including my dad, grandfather, aunt and uncle, and both brothers – in addition to my son,” she said. “It’s easy to see why this is such a special cause to me.
“I’m so happy to be able to continue this tradition of sending Christmas greetings to veterans with my students here at UCHS. The VA staff has always been so kind upon receiving them and they are grateful for the blessings the cards bring.
“I am extremely proud of the sincere and humble wishes that so many of my kids wrote in their cards. Reading through their cards brought tears to my eyes because of the heartfelt wishes they included in their festive cards. I am very blessed to have such a sweet and considerate group of students.”