3rd Grader Demonstrates
True Meaning of Patriotism

Nine year old Spencer LaMonica is strapped into a Guard simulator during one her "cookie visits" to the Army Aviation Support Facility at Windere.

March 17, 2006 -- March 2nd 2006 was shaping up to be just another run-of-the-mill day at the Georgia Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility #1 at Winder/Barrow County Airport. That is, until nine-year old Spencer LaMonica showed up with her mother and dozens of fresh chocolate chip cookies for the soldiers who work there.

Spencer, a 3rd Grader at Yargo Elementary School has been doing her part to support the troops since 2003. That’s when she asked her mother, Nicola, about the war in Iraq. “In May, Spencer asked me about the war after seeing a news story about it. So I told her all about 9/11 and showed her the pictures of the towers falling.” She continued, “While we were at a grocery store in town she saw Master Sergeant Bartlett in uniform and took off running after him. She hugged him and thanked for protecting us.” She’s been bringing baked goods to the 1/121st Infantry ever since.

First Lieutenant John Tucker, Rear Detachment Commander for the 1/121st Infantry, says Spencer’s actions validated the mission they were about to embark on. “Spencer was an instant hit with the Soldiers, with her caring attitude, quick smile, and her genuine concern. She immediately became apart of the 1-121st IN extended family. Spencer adopted the 1-121st IN and she came every Thursday until the unit left. On one of her visits she brought a little gift, a copy of her favorite poem for every Soldier. She let every soldier know when times get rough you have an Angel in your pocket and somebody thinking about you.”

Spencer has kept in touch with some of the 1-121st IN Soldiers overseas, and still comes by the unit on Thursdays to bring cupcakes and cookies. The Unit thanked Spencer for her actions by presenting her with a Battalion coin and a certificate of appreciation, and she will always be in the hearts of the Soldiers 1-121st IN. Now she has expanded her support to include the Army Aviation Support Facility in Winder as well.

Major Dwayne Wilson, Commander of the Aviation Support Facility, has been equally inspired. “Spencer’s commitment to supporting our troops is truly an inspiration to us all. We should all take notice of how this nine-year old little girl epitomizes patriotism and community service. Things like this make it all worthwhile. It reminds us of why we’re here.”

In grateful appreciation of this outpouring of support, the soldiers of AASF#1 took Spencer on a guided tour of their facility, including a ride in the portable UH-60 flight simulator, which she landed successfully.

This is a copy of the poem Spencer gave to the soldiers of the 1/121st Infantry prior to their deployment.

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