KILDARE — Deena Lorett is a fourth grade teacher at Kildare School and bleeds red, white and blue. Her fourth grade class has been in communication with a couple of different active duty military members overseas. They recently wrote letters to a military member who had no family and for the past year have become pen pals with a soldier known as “Brynn’s uncle.”

U.S. Army Sergeant Mark Harden was a student at Kildare School. He graduated from Newkirk High School in 2010 and is from the Ponca City area. He is now married, has three children and a fourth child on the way. Much to Mrs. Lorett and her student’s surprise, they received a package in the mail last week. This package included a letter, certificate and an American Flag that was flown in a mission in Afghanistan.

Last Thursday, Lorett and her class held a salute and render arms for the flag that was on a mission in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, at the flagpole at Kildare School. As parents were there to pick up their students from school, they were able to drive through the school parking lot and witness this very special ceremony.

“This experience reminds me of my two great-grandfathers who are Vietnam veterans,” said student Wyatt.

“I am excited to know they are still alive and fighting for our country!” said classmate Peyton.

“The best part of all of this is to know that Sergeant Harden is fighting for our freedom,” added student Olivia.

Lorett and her students will be adding the very special flag, certificate and letters into a shadow box that will be on display in the hallway at Kildare School.