Third-graders in Dana Fenio and Jennifer McClelland’s classes at Mars Area Elementary joined in a presentation on the U.S. Navy’s decommissioned USS Mars combat stores ship on Feb. 17.

 

Navy serviceman Rick Smith met with the students via Zoom to discuss the history of the ship, which was named after Mars Borough; its decommissioning; and the ship’s bell, which was donated to the borough in 2006 and remains on display along Pittsburgh Street near the Mars Spaceship. Smith also answer questions and explained the daily operation of the USS Mars.

 

The students also welcomed Peg Harding, retired Mars Area social studies teacher, who was Fenio’s fifth grade teacher at Mars Area. At the time, Harding had asked her students to write Christmas cards to the men and women serving aboard the USS Mars and Fenio was among several students to receive a response, which came from Rick Smith.

 

Through her simple act of kindness, Harding launched a working relationship with the U.S. Navy. And, she and a Mars Area Middle School student were invited to spend a night aboard the USS Mars.

 

As a follow-up to the presentation, Fenio’s students wrote and decorated letters that will be delivered to deployed servicemen and women through Operation Gratitude. The fifth-graders also made paracord “survival” bracelets to be sent with their letters.

 

For more information, visit www.operationgratitude.com.