Local vet schools Algonquin students on appreciating America

On Monday, 43 fourth graders from St. Margaret Mary Catholic School in Algonquin learned how lucky they are to live in America.

The message came firsthand from Master Sgt. Matt Harman, a 40-year-old Algonquin resident who spent the past year in Afghanistan with the Illinois National Guard.

Harman, who returned home to his wife Ellen and their three children July 27, spoke at the school to a combined class of fourth graders that included his 9-year-old daughter, Flannery.

Not only did he share through words and images some of his experiences, but he taught students about military life and Afghani culture. He also reminded them how thankful they should be for living in America.

After many kids raised their hand after Harman asked if there are days they don't feel like going to school, he let them know their counterparts in Afghanistan don't go to school at all.

"You shouldn't think that ever," he said. "Because kids over there, they'd want to be in your spot."

His talk was part of the school's stewardship project in which students learn how to give back. Both fourth grade classes will be collecting items for overseas soldiers for the holidays.

Harman told the kids he was in Afghanistan to help people, and his duties included training Afghani soldiers and police officers, constructing new government buildings and cell phone towers and fighting terrorists who have "a lot of bad ideas that we don't agree with necessarily."

Before his arrival, teacher Denise Crement briefed students on inappropriate questions - they weren't allowed to ask whether Harman killed anyone or if he saw anyone die - so his discussion remained upbeat.

Students also learned that in Afghanistan, women and girls aren't allowed to go to school, that there is no running water or electricity and that kids their age often work to support their family.

While some students may have been embarrassed if their dads address their class, it didn't bother Flannery one bit.

"A lot of people know him, so you sort of get used to it and you get excited to have other people meet him," she said.