Soldier receives hero’s welcome

Throughout the year, students in Gabrina Basile’s third grade class at P.S. 200 have developed a relationship with Jamaica resident and U.S. Army Specialist Samuel Williams Jr., 28, who is doing his second tour of duty in Iraq.
The class sent Williams cards and letters throughout the year, which he has hanging up on his wall in his Baghdad barrackS, and on Friday, February 9, the third graders received a special visit from Williams, who was back from Iraq for a few weeks.
Dressed in his U.S. Army uniform, Williams entered the classroom and the students’ excitement level immediately increased - giving him a hero’s welcome.
The students peppered Williams with questions ranging from the weather and food in Iraq as well as tougher questions, including whether there are many bad people in Iraq and if it hurts to kill someone.
Other students asked Williams if it was difficult to be in Iraq instead of with his friends and family in New York.
“At times, yes, it is difficult, but when I get cards and letters from family and friends, it makes me very proud to do my job,” Williams told the class. “I know people are doing better at home because of the job I’m doing.”
In addition to answering questions for nearly 45 minutes, Williams showed students pictures of himself and his unit serving in Iraq.
Last year, Basile read her class The Queens Courier Thanksgiving issue front-page story that profiled the “big-brother” relationship between her class’ volunteer Lenny Waxman, 63, and Williams.
Waxman, who is a retired electrician and volunteers with Basile’s class at P.S. 200 every week, met Williams through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of New York City 18 years ago, and the two have forged a friendship that they continue to this day.
When Williams spoke to the class, the students also presented him with Valentine’s Day cards for him to bring back to Iraq.
“Thank you so much for fighting in Iraq, for our lucky country,” wrote third-grader Christian. “We are glad to have a man like you. I hope you enjoy having a better time here than in Iraq. You are welcome to our class at anytime.”
Jamilyne, another third grader, echoed Christian’s statements, and her card showed how much the class has identified with Williams.
“I hope you are comfortable,” she wrote. “Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you as a brother.”
The day after he met with the class, Williams departed for Germany to spend a week visiting some friends. He planned to return to Queens for two days before his orders take him back to Baghdad in Iraq.