High school is a model of support for troops

A moment rarely passes, it seems, when Spotswood High School teacher Frank Yusko isn't doing something to support U.S. troops and recognize war veterans. Yusko, who not long ago created a Wall of Heroes for school alumni who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, has recently wrapped up two efforts that exemplify how one relatively small high school or even one person can make a difference in the lives of servicemen and women.

In December, Yusko, along with the History and Octagon clubs he advises, concluded a lengthy and fruitful effort for the national DVDS4TROOPS program. In all, the school collected nearly 70 large boxes of movies and CDs for shipment overseas. In doing so, Spotswood became the single-greatest supporter of the effort, as was pointed out on the organization's Web site.

Thanks to the school community, off-duty troops can enjoy a selection of movies and programs at movie armories established at 10 bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. One can only imagine how much it means to soldiers and Marines to be able to take their minds off things on a rare day off.

Just as that drive ended, Yusko got the bug to rally his own troops once again, this time on behalf of a Florida-based organization called the Wounded Warrior Project. The organization helps severely injured service members and their families during the critical time between their initial rehabilitation while on active duty and their transition to civilian life. One way it does this is by providing backpacks with much-needed comfort items such as toiletries and other personal goods.

Yusko figured he'd put the word out there and maybe collect enough for a few backpacks, which cost $99 a piece. By the final tally, however, he had collected $2,200 with more money expected to come in, thanks in part to a special sale run by the River Mill Art Gallery in South River. And as was the case with DVDS4TROOPS, those running the Wounded Warrior Project want to know just what Spotswood did to bring about such an outpouring of support so that others may follow.

Of course, there was no special formula involved in either case. Quite simply, this is a community with leaders such as Yusko and students who recognize that their freedom is not something that comes free. And clearly, they are thankful for those who bravely fight to protect them.

While the local drives have ended, anyone interested can visit www.dvds4troops.org or www.woundwarriorproject.org for information about donating.