Cline Elementary 3rd graders were thrilled to meet Lieutenant Commander KC Chhipwadia.  He has been back in the U.S. for about six weeks and wanted to thank the children for the care packages they sent in May.
             He has been in Iraq for 15 months away from his wife, Poonam (who also came with him to Cline), and two little girls, ages two and four.  He made it clear to the children how very much the care packages mean to the soldiers so far away from home.  But he told them the letters they wrote mean even more.  The men and women so far away from home cherish those letters that remind them of why they are serving their country.
          When one 3rd grader asked Lt. Com. Chhipwadia (who insisted we call him KC) what weapons he got to use, KC surprised everyone by saying with gentle passion, "Computers!  But our best weapon is our mind!" 
          He went on to tell the children that the military's job is to protect people and help them.  In listening to his story and hearing his answers to the children's questions it was so easy to see that he and his wife are such incredible patriots and citizens.  He made such a positive strong impression on the third graders and the staff, according to Cline teacher Sharon Sullivan.
          However, at the same time KC said that these children made such a strong and positive impression on him.  Their spirit, innocence, passion, and eagerness to learn, and to do what is right brought to the front why he gave 15 months of his life to serve the country. 
          “When our 3rd graders sang their favorite patriot song, Forever Free, we all had tears in our eyes,” Sullivan said.