Local

Concord students send holiday wishes to troops with handcrafted cards

CONCORD, N.C. — As families enjoy Thanksgiving around the table together, many North Carolina soldiers will spend the holiday protecting America overseas in Afghanistan.

Eyewitness News anchor Allison Latos found out that some Concord students are making sure our troops feel the love from everyone back home.

Handmade cards, crafted with care by students at R Brown McAllister Elementary School, will soon bring holiday cheer to Fort Bragg soldiers posted in Afghanistan.

Student Aubrie Gatz told Channel 9 that her dad is in the Air Force.

“Sometimes, I didn't feel quite as safe because he's really my hero, so yeah, it was really hard,” Gatz said.

Gatz said she knows what it’s like to miss him during the holidays.

“I told him my dad was home now, just like he would be soon. I told him my experience, so I really liked it,” Gatz said.

Fifth-grader Obrien Barrett said he hopes his card makes a soldier smile.

“I hope they feel delightful because it will lift them up for not being with their family for a long time,” Barrett said.

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson said he will hand-deliver the cards to troops overseas.

“I’ll be visiting countries in Europe and the Middle East, looking at readiness and see the issues we're facing,” Hudson said.

Channel 9 was there as students helped Hudson pack up the cards and they asked him a few questions about his job in Washington.

“How much power do you have in Congress?” one student asked.

“In truth, you have more power than I do,” Hudson replied. “But I'm your congressman and I exercise that power you give to me by going to Washington, introducing legislation and taking votes.”

The kids jumped at the chance to snap a selfie with their congressman and their chorus of voices rang out.

Hudson plans to take that same message to troops this Thanksgiving.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: