By: Andrew Coen
The all-boys yeshiva is in the process of setting up a program that will enable its students to send care packages to the platoon of Jacob Fletcher, a former Long Beach resident, when the platoon arrives in Afghanistan after serving in Iraq.
Fletcher was killed in a roadside bombing of a bus in Iraq last November, while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. As part of Rambam Mesivta's recognition of Veterans Day and the yeshiva's care package program, Fletcher's father, Marlowe, who served in the Air Force from 1967 to 1974, spoke to the yeshiva students at a full-school assembly on Monday.
After the moving speech by Fletcher about the pain of losing his 28-year-old son, Principal Yotav Eliach announced that when Fletcher's battalion moves from Iraq to Afghanistan, the yeshiva will adopt the platoon. Students will be given the soldiers' names and addresses so they can send care packages. "We're going to send packages to as many of the soldiers as we can," said Eliach. "We will do what we can to perpetuate his son's memory."
Care packages sent to troops overseas contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation. During Monday's assembly, Eliach emphasized the importance of students' sending letters in the packages, getting the message across that they understand that the people living a safe and comfortable life in the U.S. are able to do so because of the hard work of the troops. "It can bring a tear to a tough guy's eyes, and that is going to be just as important as the packages we will be putting together," said Eliach.
Fletcher displayed his son's uniform when talking about his service in Iraq before he was killed. "Support the veterans, support Israel and hug your parents," said Fletcher, who was in tears as he concluded an emotional talk to the students.
"When people enjoy the fruits of a country, it is the very least to also take part in some of the grief that a country has as well," said Eliach.
The assembly also featured clips from the beginning of the 1998 film about the World War II invasion of Normandy, "Saving Private Ryan," to give the students the appreciation for what soldiers have done and continue to do to protect America.
For further information about Rambam Mesivta's planned adoption of the 173rd Airborne Division and how to send care packages to the troops, call (516) 371-5824.
Comments about this story? ACoen@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
