Highlands Elementary Students Honored for Support of Soldiers in Iraq

On June 11, students at Highlands Elementary School were recognized for their support of an American military medical station in Iraq during the 2011-12 school year.

As part of the school's field day event, Student Body President Matthew Phua was presented with a very special American flag, as a token of the 297th Area Support Medical Company’s appreciation for letters and support Highlands Elementary students sent to soldiers and medical personnel during their tour in Iraq.

Sergeant First Class Bobby Im presented the flag to the student body, which had been flown over the 297th Area Support Medical Company Headquarters on COB Basra in Iraq on September 11, 2011 for 297 minutes. Sgt. Im’s son, Jeremy, was by his father’s side as he made the presentation, and the entire student body was present.

Sgt. Im delivered the good news that every member of his company returned home from Iraq safely.

Highlands Principal Maria Majka commented, “I am so proud of our students and the effort they made to support the 297th Area Support Medical Company. They wrote letters and sent pictures and drawings to the soldiers for over 18 months, and this flag is a great reminder.”

The flag was accompanied by a framed certificate, that reads:

                           297th Area Support Medical Company
                                  Operation New Dawn 2011
                                            Combat Flag
                                          Is presented to
                                 Highlands Elementary School

"This is to certify that this flag has been flown over the 297th Area Support Medical Company Headquarters on COB Basra, Iraq, on 11 September 2011 for over 297 minutes. This flag, like the United States Soldier, proudly stand as a reminder of our Army’s historic mission and the sacrifices made during Operation New Dawn. This flag is a small token of our thanks for your support to the great men and women of the 297th Area Support Medical Company, the COB Basra Medical Treatment Facility, and the United States Army. Ninja Medics.
(Signed by) Daniel L. Evans First Sergeant, USA Company First Sergeant and Donald N. Nodora Captain, USA Commanding."

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