Pittsboro Elementary Fourth Graders Skype with American Soldier in Iraq

Pittsboro Elementary fourth graders in the class of Melissa Hamm had a unique experience on Wednesday, November 10, leading up to Veterans Day on November 11th. The class had a Skype session with Lt. Jason Nunn, who is currently deployed with the U.S. Army in Iraq.

As an elementary student, Nunn attended Pittsboro Elementary along with Hamm. Nunn has been a guest blogger on the school district Hot Topics Blog leading up to the Veterans Day holiday and has posted entries about the role of the U.S. military in Iraq, aspects of his job, day-to-day life for soldiers, and his experiences interacting with local citizens and learning about the history of the area.

On Wednesday, the Pittsboro Elementary students were able to ask their own questions to Nunn via Skype, a live Internet video chat. The students and Nunn were able to see and talk with each other. Prior to the session the twenty students had each prepared a question, some for Nunn and others for his wife, Kristen, and his mother, Fay Loflin. With a time difference of eight hours, Iraq being eight hours ahead of Eastern time, Nunn had finished his day and was in his quarters while the students were in the last hour of the school day. Many were interested in why he joined the Army, how his family deals with the separation, and questions about his personal interests.

Slideshow of Skype Visit (Quicktime movie, 320 KB):
http://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/archives/2010_sch/pes_jnunn_10/pes_jnunn_10.mov

Lt. Nunn's Photos from Iraq (Quicktime movie, 636 KB):
http://ds1.chatham.k12.nc.us/pressrel.nsf/2479ff2bec0fc2c585256a6a00771650/b7003281bae91299852577d900703391/$FILE/photos_iraq_2010.mov

Questions Melissa Hamm’s Fourth Grade Class Asked Lt. Jason Nunn:

Q: Do you like reading during your free time? What is favorite book?

A: Watch movies and try to stay normal; fourth grade book - Matilda

Q:  Why did you join the Army?

A:  He joined the Army because to see the world and to serve us.

Q:  What is your favorite college team?

A:  The Tar Heels.

Q:  What's Army food like?  Does it taste like cafeteria food?

A:  It does taste like cafeteria food and they have all you can eat ice cream.

Q:  What was your biggest fear when Jason joined the Army?  (Question for Lt. Nunn’s mom)

A:  Her biggest fear was that Jason will get hurt.

Q:   How did you feel when Jason told you he was joining the Army?  (Question for Lt. Nunn’s mom)

A:   She thought something would happen to him, she also felt sad but she was happy if he was.

Q:  Do you have a personal journal or diary?

A:  No but I keep what's going on in my computer.

Q:  Do you have any children?  (Question for Lt. Nunn’s wife)

A:  No I only have dogs (pets).

Q:  Are you proud of your son?

A: Yes, she is very proud of her son.

Q:  Do you Skype with your friends?

A:  Yes I try to Skype every day and call my wife.

Q:  How old where you when you thought about going to the Army?

A:  About twenty-three (Respond getting old)

Q:  How did you feel about Jason being in the Army?  Did you cry?  (Question for Lt. Nunn’s wife)

A:  Kristen didn't cry when Jason thought about going into the Army, but she cried when he left.

Q:  When did you and Jason first meet and how did he propose? ?  (Question for Lt. Nunn’s wife)

A:  Kristen and Jason first met at Jason's cousin's house.  Jason proposed on Kristen's birthday three years before 2010.

Q:  Who was your fourth grade teacher?

A:  Mrs. Thompson

Q:  How long have you been at Iraq?

A:  9 months

Q:  Which military branch are you in?

A:  The Army  [Jason thinks it is the best one.]

Q: Have you seen combat or been involved in combat?

A:  Yes only a little bit.

Q: How long do you want to be in the military?

A: 20 years because it's fun.

Q:  How did you feel the first time you left to go to Iraq?

A:  He felt kind of sad, but felt happy to serve in the Army.

Q:  Do kids in Iraq run around with guns?

A:  No I didn't see any so the answer is no.