Soldier Visits San Jacinto Students

Back in February we brought you the story of a San Jacinto class that was sending Valentine greetings to a soldier who was stationed in Iraq. After months of writing and dozens of letters these 4th graders were able to meet the soldier face to face today KSAN’S Nicole Sanchez has the story on this soldier and the kids that encouraged him during his time in war.
 



It was a story that began on Valentine’s Day of 2007 when dozens of San Jacinto 3rd graders mailed their cards of love to a Marine that they had never met. Joey Trejo was the name of their Marine and Son of their teacher's aide who was defending the United States in War at Iraq for 7 months.

"They have always been hearing about him from me and writing cards and they were finally able to put a face to the cards,” Bea Trejo says about her son.

Now 4th graders and after sending 200 cards these students were able to meet their pen pal face to face.

“It makes us feel good inside and happy, and awesome,” 4th Grader Deziree Rios says.

“He was helping us by fighting in the Army for us,” 4th Grader Zackery Rodriques says.
 
So now home from his tour Trejo made a trip to San Jacinto to say thanks to the ones that sent him encouragement behind the crayons and markers.

"It did help them stay safe, because kids are like little angels, they were wishing his safety, and he got it,” Bea Trejo says.

During the visit the students questioned him on his tour in Iraq, a job that these kids relate Trejo to a hero for accomplishing.
 
“I grew up imagining heroes as Superman, Batman and all of that stuff and to relate as a hero to them, it makes you feel like you’re doing something right. And that you’re there for the right reasons,” Jose Trejo says.

So now what does Trejo plan on doing with these messages of encouragement that were sent from strangers who are now friends?

“I’m going to end up keeping them, well probably for the rest of my life because Iraq’s something I’m never going to be able to forget,” Trejo says.