Glenbard community makes valentines for veterans

A project to create Valentine's Day cards for veterans had a little bit more significance for Glenbard South High School senior Ronel Parayno than for others. Every week, the 18-year-old speaks to his brother, who is in the Navy and stationed in Alsaska.

As Parayno worked on a card that would be among thousands sent to hospitalized and active military in the U.S. and overseas, he said just knowing that his brother could potentially be hospitalized motivated him.

"To think that he could have been one of those people makes it different," he said. "I do it because I know what could happen with my brother."

Schools throughout Glenbard High School District 87 on Wednesday participated in the Valentines for Vets program, which every year draws hundreds of students. For the most part, the students are part of clubs or sports teams that join in.

But Parayno was there with several friends who have helped the project since before they started at South. Senior Kevin Miller said it was the least they could do to help veterans' spirits.

"This way, they know people out there are thinking about them," he said. "It helps cheer them up and gives them hope."

The cards will be sent to the village of Glendale Heights, where officials will distribute the cards to local veterans as well as veterans abroad.

Alberto Velasco served two tours in Iraq, one in 2002 and another in 2004. He said receiving letters and cards from people he does not even know sometimes had a larger effect on morale than receiving them from family and friends.

"It makes you realize what you're doing over there is not only for family and friends, but also for people you don't even know," he said.

The Roselle native visited South and East on Wednesday. He works as a military liaison for U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam. "It's beautiful to know that there's people back home that care. It's an unexplainable feeling."

Glenbard East Career Adviser Dawn Zatt said the exercise helps students take a step back from their lives.

"A lot of times, the students have a lot going on in their lives and are being asked huge questions," she said. "They're preparing for life. But this helps them put that in perspective. You're under stress and have to make these really tough choices right now. But others are supporting the country so you have the right to make those choices."