(MARLETTE) — Students don’t always have the opportunity to make real world connections with what they are learning in the classroom, but Marlette Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School students will be fortunate to have the chance to connect their reading and writing to a real life hero, Travis Mills, when they attend assemblies planned for Monday, October 19. Back on April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. For the past several years, 5th grade students in Mrs. Solgat’s ELA classes have used Travis, a Vassar native, as the inspiration for reading and writing about obstacles and challenges in people’s lives and how they are met and overcome. Students have learned about Travis’ amazing strength, courage, and an incredible will to live despite the daily challenges he faces. Sgt. Mills will speak to 3rd -6th grade students at the Marlette Elementary School on Monday, October 19 at 8:45 a.m. followed by a discussion with 5th grade students at 9:45 a.m. The assembly for grades 7-12 is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. at the Marlette Jr./Sr. High School. Community members and veterans are invited to the assemblies. Local veterans are also invited to have breakfast with Travis Mills from 7:45-8:15 a.m. at the Elementary School where they will be recognized and honored for their service to our country.
