For one veteran, the best therapy is sharing his story

BONNERS FERRY — “This is the best therapy any veteran could ask for,” Navy veteran and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 3622 Post Commander Ben Apo told the Herald when local students visited the local VFW to meet with local veterans.

Third-graders from Valley View Elementary had the opportunity to interview local veterans and learn about their service. Veterans shared many different stories with the students, anecdotes of the countries they visited and the different reasons they had for joining the military. For some, joining was a way to further their education; for others it was a desired career or a chance to serve their country.

While there were serious moments, there was also lighthearted talk. In one moment, the age-old question whether coffee or tea was better was debated heavily by a table of third-graders with one veteran.

Valley View students also gave handmade thank you cards to the veterans.

Veteran Kristi Turner said that after sharing her story with a group of third-graders, they all hugged her.

“I feel warm inside after that,” Turner said.

Other veterans agreed that visiting with the youth was “the best therapy.”

Although handwritten cards may seem like only a small token to give veterans considering all they have done, veteran Ron McIlnay told the Herald that he treasures and keeps the sentimental souvenirs. Like many of the veterans present, McIlnay spread out his thank you cards to admire them and smiled with pride.

Boundary County veterans have been visiting local schools the past week. They visited the middle school on Nov. 10. Students have been participating in a penny war in order to raise funds for veteran causes. Eighth-grade students and staff members also took turns holding signs in support of veterans.