Text & Photos By: Maria Moore

First Lieutenant James Flannery came back to Antolini School – almost a decade after graduating from our local elementary school. The reason for his visit was to thank the 3rd and 4th grade students who had corresponded with him while he was on tour in Afghanistan. “I loved receiving your letters, and my men loved them too.” James told each class he visited, thanking the students for their support. And then he sat with the class and answered all the children’s questions – or at least as many questions as they could get in during his 15-minute stop with every class.

1st.Lt.James Flannery

The children wanted to know about every aspect of James’ life in the army: what he ate (prepared meals), where he slept (sometimes he and his men had to go into people’s houses and and tell them they were going to be sleeping there), if he missed his family (yes, very much), what made him join the army (he’d always liked to be active, to be outdoors), and what he would do if he captured Bin Laden (handcuff him and put him in jail). James listened carefully to each question and then answered it seriously, treating each student with the utmost respect. It was clear to see from his manner why this young man, who had gone on to finish his education at West Point, was now rising so rapidly in his chosen career.

The visits to each class went by quickly and then it was time for the soldier to exchange affectionate goodbyes with the students from his own elementary school who had taken the time to write to him, an unknown soldier on duty in Afghanistan.

Our photographer accompanied 1st Lt. Flannery on his visit to three classes on Monday afternoon, March 14: Mr. Tancreti’s 3rd grade class, Mrs. Jones’ 4th grade class and Mrs. Hawley’s 4th grade class.  Coincidentally, James had been a student in all three teachers’ classes when he attended Antolini, something which made each visit that much more special.

Following are photos of 1st Lt. James Flannery’s visits to the three classrooms:

Mr. Tancreti’s 3rd Grade Class

James responding to the children's questions.

The children in Mr. Tancreti's class had lots of questons to ask of the soldier who had just returned home from Afghanistan.

Mrs. Jones’ 4th Grade Class

James visiting with Mrs. Jones' class.

Mrs. Jones enjoying James' visit to her classroom.

Students had many questions for James and they listened attentively his answers.

Mrs. Hawley’s 4th Grade Class

James sits with Mrs. Hawley as he visits with her class.

James holds a book on Bin Laden which was on display in Mrs. Hawley's class while he answers a question about the terrorist.

Students in Mrs. Hawley's class listening to James.

One of the students couldn't help peeking at the photographer sitting immediately behind her.

Kate Rieger, Principal of Antolini School, listening to the exchange between James and the students in Mrs. Hawley's class.

Many Thanks to Mr. Tancreti, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Hawley for welcoming our photographer into their classrooms.

Many Thanks as always to Kate Rieger, Principal at Antolini for inviting us to be part of James’ visit.