S.G.A. students honor troops with song
By Tres Bragg tresbragg@bellsouth.net

S.G.A. students perform a special song for the soldiers in Iraq. Staff - Tres Bragg

The students of S.G.A. Elementary School displayed their support for our troops in an interesting way this year - by singing their way to Iraq.

Anna Herrington beamed as she watched in excitement the fifth grade class bring her idea to life. Students adopted the 63rd Signal Battalion from Ft. Gordon, who is currently deployed to Iraq. The first grade S.G.A. teacher wanted to send a message to the troops that they would never forget, and they did so through a special, personalized DVD.

Students performed a unique song, entitled "Salute," live in front of teachers, fellow students, parents and several military veterans. Highlights included an individual temple blocks routine completed by Antonio Hopkins and a fourman body percussion piece.

After a heartfelt performance, the students and faculty joined in chanting "USA! USA! USA!" as the camera continued to roll. "It felt good to see how much the veterans enjoyed our song … you could tell that they loved it," said fifth-grader Fredreonia Freeman. "I think that we showed how much we care for them by doing this."

Chief of staff for the Augusta Chapter of Disabled American Veterans Willie Davis confirmed this by saying, "As a veteran, this meant the world to us. It gave me chills watching the performance. It was outstanding and a great token of appreciation for the school to adopt the troops."

Valerie Caldwell, S.G.A. music teacher, directed this event which will be sent to the troops later this month. The video will also include poems and other songs performed by S.G.A. students.

Principal Sam Adkins said he could not be any prouder of the school. "One of the most treasured aspects of educating a child is to instill in them the values of citizenship and the essence of core values," he said. "We are so proud of this, our continued efforts at S.G.A. and our desire to be an integral part of the 63rd."