Wounded Military School Speaking Program- Results

Words truly cannot express how fortunate I feel our school is to have been able to have Scott and Luana visit and share your stories with our student body. Your mission is inspiring, and your organization is so needed and vital to young adults today. Students told me Scott was the best speaker they’ve heard at any school assembly…..and it goes on and on. You are both wonders!

                Joanne Torlucci, Braden River Middle School, Bradenton, FL - November 18, 2011

Luana and Scott,, Just wanted to take a moment to say Thank You again for coming.  Your story was so inspiring and sometimes that is exactly what I think we all need to get us through our day-day-day  “cubicle” life.  Even though we work directly in the industry of defense, sometimes that connection to actual boots on the ground doesn’t hit home until we are reminded of heroes like Scott who sacrifice so much.

                Patricia Gibson, Northrup-Grumman, Orlando, FL – November 17, 2011

Scott, I cannot tell you in words how honored we were to have you visit our school. We appreciate your willingness to visit with our students, and share just a bit about your experience in the service of our country. Your message of being and looking different on the outside is a powerful reminder to all of us on the homefront-war affects all of us on various levels.    

                Tom Sack, Principal – Atchison Elementary School, Atchison, KS – November 10, 2011

The program was great!  Several teachers came to me with good things to say. Some were wondering how we got Derek here and how they could get him to speak somewhere. I passed on the Tempered Steel cards that Derek had given me. I truly appreciate Derek coming here to speak and thank you for helping me get this all done!

                Marci Lantz, PTO Osborne Grade School, Osborne, KS – November 14, 2011

My 4th grade class at Hesby Oaks School was fortunate to have Gunnery Sgt. Tony Lino visit us. He was a fantastic speaker & very inspirational. All of my students sat riveted, while Micaela Bensko gave a presentation on the background of the wars, as well as Sgt. Lino's roles. He demonstrated perseverance & a passion for his job, despite his wounds. My students listened so attentively that they all wanted to answer his questions. They talked of nothing else for days following Tony's visit. Many of the children commented that they could not tell his injuries (thanks to IraqOaksi Star Foundation!)

Thank you Luana, Micaela & Tempered Steel for bringing Sgt. Lino & other soldiers into schools to educate & inspire students!

                Kathie Yonemura ,Hesby Oaks School

Luana, I am writing to tell you thank you for coming to the Wichita Regional Office and presenting to the Veteran’s Benefits Administration and Veteran’s Health Administration employees.   The employees were truly touched by the personal stories of the Wounded Warriors.  The achievements of their recovery are remarkable and an inspiration to all of us. I received excellent feedback from the employees that attended.  I believe that many of the employees learned from the presentation and this in turn will improve services provided to Veterans in general.   They appreciated the Wounded Warriors were so candid and open to questions from the group.             

                Linda Steffensmeier,Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Dept of    Veterans Affairs, Wichita, KS – November 9, 2011

Alvin Shell’s talked to our Medical Sciences Program on October 28, 2011. His talk was outstanding! He made us more appreciative of those who are wounded and the long recovery they require. Mr. Shell was an excellent speaker and his message was appreciated by all.

                John B Watkins, III, PhD, Assistant Dean, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN – October 28, 2011

 

Scott Stephenson and his mother Luana Schneider talk to Braden River Middle School. Watch the audience swarm Scott after his presentation; important education about acceptence of differences took place.

 

 

 

 

Robert (Bobby) Henline spoke to an elementary school in Waco, TX on behalf of Grant Martin

Grant Martin is a 10 year old little boy in the 4th grade. He was burned over 93% of his body in a house fire 7 years ago, he was not supposed to survive, but survive he did.

This year at school he has been having a very difficult time with the other children calling him names and making fun of his scars.

Grant’s mother, Dana asked Robert (Bobby) Henline to speak to the children at the school about his own injuries and how being burned severely in Iraq has affected his life. Bobby also arranged to have some cool treats for Grant, such as a fireman’s helmet, rubber boots, gloves etc. as Grant wants to be a fireman when he grows up.

Dana reports that Grant has been having a great time at school and several of the students have told Grant that he has a very cool friend in Bobby.  Dana also states that she feels Bobby’s message of getting to know someone on the inside and not paying attention to what people look like on the outside has played a significant role in Grant being treated better at school.

Bobby was asked to speak to the high school in Waco following his speech at the elementary school.