Manuel “Bo” Bohannon with Teddy Nykamp

Courtesy of Valerie Krieger

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Thank You, Veterans! 

For Veterans Day in 2021, Valerie Krieger was looking for a special way to thank the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. So she had her students at Coloma Intermediate School in Michigan write letters to veterans. It was the start of a program called Operation SAVE. What began with one thank-you letter grew into something bigger, as students have become pen pals and formed friendships with military service members. 

“Many of the pen pals have already made lifelong connections,” says Krieger, who teaches fourth grade.

The students and their pen pals send letters to each other throughout the school year. The pen pals include not only retired veterans but also active members of the military and reserves. (Members of the reserves serve in the military part-time.)

Ten-year-old Teddy Nykamp has been pen pals with Manuel “Bo” Bohannon for nearly two years. Bohannon, who is Krieger’s brother, served in both the U.S. Army and the reserves. Through their letters, Bohannon and Teddy got to know each other and bonded over their love of fishing. Teddy says he can’t wait to get letters from Bohannon—he’s saved every one.

The pair met in person for the first time at a special luncheon for the pen pals at the school in June 2023. They’ve continued to keep in touch. 

Bohannon says he joined the military to serve his country. He wasn’t looking for thanks, but he appreciates it. 

“It’s just nice hearing ‘Thank you for your service,’” he says.

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