Chappell Ranch, home to Wild Willy's Horse Camp and the many students who participate in the year-round riding programs, are sending letters to the troops in Afghanistan.
Some of the students have parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and friends who are in Afghanistan.
"As a show of our support for these troops, the kids are sending letters, pictures, thoughts, and poems to the troops with soldiers from the local area in Carson Valley," said Kim Chappell, who is owner and operator of Chappell Ranch.
Chappell said she feels it is important to let the troops know that we think of them and that we care.
"When the kids write their letters, it comes straight from the heart," Chappell said. "The kids feel like they are offering words of support and encouragement when they participate in this part of the program at the ranch. It is their way of giving back."
"If the letters bring a smile to the faces of these soldiers, or a sense of home to their hearts, or a momentary lightness in spirit, while in the face of war, then the kids have done their job,"Chappell said.
"The notion of courage comes up a lot in the horse camps as the kids step into their fears when it comes to these big animals. We talk a lot about what courage means. And while we cannot fully grasp what life is like over there, the kids are able to appreciate the meaning of Courage, and what it takes to have courage," she said.
As one student wrote in her letter to the troops:
"Dear Courageous Soldiers,
Can conquer anything!
Outrageous
Unfearful
Rich in holiness
Awesome
Good
Entirely Great."
Another letter:
"Dear Troops,
I am happy about what you are doing. I love you dad and I miss you so much."
Another letter:
"Dear Soldier,
I hope you're OK. I'm over here, at horse camp and having the time of my life. You're over there, fighting day after day. I feel so bad. Well, the best I can do is send you a box of hugs!"
And another:
"Dear Soldier,
I would like you to know how much I appreciate you serving our country. You are so brave to be risking your life. I'm sure all your loved ones miss you and are anxiously awaiting your arrival back home. Once again, THANK YOU!"
