A day of gratitude
from the soldier

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

U.S. Army Sgt. Glenn Devitt Jr. stays busy during his tour in Iraq, working seven days a week.
The 23-year-old Wissinoming native does have some time to play video games and talk to his family by phone or e-mail.
In March, he received a special treat. Students at the Edwin Forrest School in East Mayfair sent him a huge care package filled with letters, food, toiletries and more. In his spare time, he’s been reading and enjoying the letters.
Recently home on an 18-day leave, Devitt visited Forrest to thank the students for their effort.
"It was the least I could do," he said.
Devitt described the letters as both touching and amusing.
"They meant a lot," he told the youngsters.
The soldier, the youngest of three children of Glenn and Julia Devitt of Tulip Street, attended the Henry Lawton School, Warren Harding Middle School and Frankford High School.
Recalling his high school days, Devitt said that when an announcement over the Frankford High loudspeaker told students that a military recruiter was in the building, he and two buddies met with him. The day after graduation, and just five days after his 18th birthday, Devitt joined the National Guard.
For two years he attended classes at Indiana University of Pennsylvania before enlisting in 2004 as an active-duty member of the Army. He’s stationed in Hawaii, where he met his wife Carmen. The couple have a 15-month-old son, Connor.
Last December, Devitt deployed to Iraq. He’s attached to Charlie 127, an infantry unit.
While reluctant to talk about his specific duties in Iraq, he believes the men in his unit are making progress in Sadr City, a neighborhood of Baghdad.
"We’ve worked hand in hand with the Iraqi Army in Sadr City," he said.
Devitt is also grateful for the support from Iraqi citizens.
"They’re great people there," he said. "The majority of people love Americans."
Devitt returned home on May 5, delaying his trip a little by giving up his seat on the plane to a fellow soldier returning home to see the birth of his child.
After Devitt’s arrival at Philadelphia International Airport, a convoy of 25 motorcycles and seven other vehicles escorted him to Tulip Street.
On his trip home — he went back overseas on Saturday — he traveled to Atlantic City and the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, went to a Phillies game and attended a Flyers playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Devitt, who has re-enlisted in the Army for six years, will spend the next nine months in Iraq, though he should be eligible for a four-day pass. He’ll miss his family, which includes older sisters Shannon and Andrea. His wife and son are staying with his parents.
"I’ll miss his first two birthdays, but that’s part of the job," the soldier said.
Paul Costello, president of the Forrest Home & School Association, learned about Devitt from friends Peter and Angel Hartman. The outreach effort began in February.
The students and administration teamed to send drawings, deodorant, candy, crackers, 300 jars of peanut butter and a lot more to Iraq.
"I gave the candy to the Iraqi kids," Devitt said.
The soldier and his unit were overwhelmed by the school’s outpouring of support.
"It was great to see them bring a little bit of the States to Iraq," he said.
The students were euphoric when they saw Devitt visit their school in his uniform on May 22. The visit was timed with a previously scheduled laser show, American Pride.
Costello was thankful that Devitt visited the school for several hours just two days before going back overseas.
"It’s an honor," he said. "He’s a hero."
The school had a luncheon reception for its guest of honor. The menu included a cake that read, "God Bless Our Troops."
Patty-Pat Kozlowski, an aide to City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, presented Devitt with a Council citation. The document noted that the soldier earned an impact Bronze Star for his service in Sadr City.
When Devitt entered the auditorium for the laser show, the students gave him a standing ovation, waved American flags and held signs that read, "Go USA." The school choir sang The Star-Spangled Banner.
Devitt also visited classrooms and told the students that the Iraqi children are much like them. They especially like toys and soccer.
The students offered comments, asked questions and presented him with letters and American flags made of construction paper.
The youngsters told him in unison, "Stay safe."
One boy asked Devitt to say hi to his cousin Scotty, a Marine. Others asked him if the service is "hard."
"The hard part is being away from your family," he said. "It’s no different than going on a business trip, except that I’m six-thousand miles away."
Devitt told the kids that the days can be hot, especially while wearing a uniform with long sleeves. But, he said, the mission is working.
"Democracy is spreading over there," he said.
Some students asked Devitt if American soldiers die in Iraq.
"They die with honor," he replied. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com