Coloma Students connect with Veteran pen pals through “Operation Save”

COLOMA, Mich. -- Coloma Intermediate School held their third annual “Operation SAVE”, Students and Veterans Engaging through Writing, a special program that connects students with U.S. military veterans through letter writing.

Organized by teacher Mrs. Valerie Kreiger, the project helps students build reading, writing, and geography skills while fostering meaningful friendships across generations.

Students at Coloma Intermediate School have been exchanging letters with veterans all year. Some letters travel across the country, creating a unique bond between young learners and those who served.

On Tuesday, some pen pals finally met in person at a luncheon. For some, like fourth grader Kiley and her veteran pen pal Mike, it was their first chance to see each other face to face.

“We didn’t exchange pictures, so this was the first chance we got to identify ourselves and see each other,” said Kiley.

Others, like Jazmin and her pen pal Pete, a veteran who served in both the Air Force and Marines, have been writing back and forth for two years, sharing drawings, memories, and gifts.

“Yeah! We got to go in the pool, and I went down one of the tube slides, and it was perfectly fun!” Jazmin shared.

Pete has watched Jazmin’s spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary improve over time, while Jazmin appreciates the lessons learned from her friendship with Pete.

“It’s the growth in the friendships, it’s the growth in their writing, and it’s just having them connected to a different generation,” explained Mrs. Kreiger.

Pete reflected on the relationship too:

“We always get told ‘thank you for your service,’ but we want to thank you for your service!”

The pen pals are already making plans to stay in touch throughout the summer.

Veterans interested in joining the program next year, Click Here.