Letter assignment say thank you to military

Students a Zion Lutheran School received a military surprise Friday after completing their assignment to write letters to local service men and women. The letters were filled with reasons why students appreciated their service to our country.

Fifth grade student Olivia Thompson, daughter of Pastor Mark and Chris Thompson of Zion Lutheran Church, wrote a letter to Air Force Aero Medical Evacuation nurse Jessica (Owen) Emory, who grew up in Lincoln and a 2008 graduate of Lincoln Community High School.

The letter assigned by Sarah Puls, who teaches language arts at ZLS, was delivered on a day when Emory needed an encouraging word.

"I was feeling down and after I read Olivia's letter I really wanted to meet her and present her with a coin as well as give the school a flag that flew on a mission I was on," said Emory.

A coin tradition in all branches of the military is a gift of respect, gratitude and loyalty. The protocol of giving the coin is when soldiers shake hands a coin is transferred in the joining of the hands.  After some explanation Emory passed her coin to Thompson that also ended in a hug.

Thompson, along with fellow classmates, was surprised to see Emory on their last day of school.

"I think this is great. I didn't expect to see her and it is nice to be able to thank her in person for her service to our country," said Thompson.

Emory, who is stationed in Washington, D.C., joined the Air Force in 2013 and was asked a variety of questions by ZLS students.

"How many patients have you helped?" asked one student which brought a smile to Emory.

"I have flown on 28 mission in four months and I was plane sick only once in the two years I've done this. I've treated almost 60 patients and the job is truly rewarding," said Emory. Other questions ranged from her primary education and details on what exactly she is faced with when helping an injured military service man or woman.