Lt. Colonel Joe Dell’Arciprete STORY UPDATE:
In the late afternoon of Sunday, July 19th, Lt. Colonel Joe Dell’Arciprete (USAF Reserves) and WCASD middle school teacher arrived safely from Afghanistan at Philadelphia International Airport to a hero’s welcome and long-awaited reunion with his family. As G.A. Stetson Middle School Principal Le Roy Whitehead pointed out in an e-mail, “We are all very relieved and pleased to have Joe safely back home with us.” An organization known as “A Hero’s Welcome” coordinated a wonderful homecoming for Joe complete with a motorcycle escort sponsored by “Warrior’s Watch.” A posting has gone up on their web-site with Joe’s picture and details of his deployment, and his return was also accompanied by a local fire department escort. We hope to include a third and final installment of Joe’s remarkable story, with insights regarding the situation in Afghanistan and his return to teaching, in the coming weeks. In the mean time this honored educator/soldier deserves our thanks and unsurpassed respect for the sacrifices and contributions he has made.
Making a Difference for a Stetson Teacher who’s Already Made Big Contributions in Afghanistan
Making a Difference for a Stetson Teacher who’s Already Made Big Contributions: Talent Show at Stetson Middle School Benefits Military Charity
On Thursday May 14, Stetson Middle School held its third annual talent show, “Stetson’s Got Talent.” Sponsored by the Stetson Drama Club, over 50 students from the school participated in the evening program that featured 19 acts ranging from singing and dance, to comedy and instrumental performances. Along with the student talents on display, several faculty members also appeared on stage, including Principal Le Roy Whitehead, a talented musician and composer in his own right. Prizes were awarded by a faculty panel of judges.
“The show was a great opportunity for faculty, students, and families to come together for a night of fun and more importantly, a great cause,” said Heather Dussinger, head of the drama club and one of the directors.
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Principal Le Roy Whitehead (right) and librarian Lois Markiewicz contribute to the event’s entertaining theme. |
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Similar to previous talent shows at Stetson, all proceeds from the event were donated to a designated charity. This year, thanks to a sold-out audience, an incredible $2,000 was raised for The Freedom Wing Foundation, a non-profit charity based at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. The foundation provides financial assistance and support services to families and children who have a parent actively serving in the military. This cause hits home for the entire Stetson community as 6th grade science teacher Joe Dell'Arciprete is currently serving in Afghanistan. As a result of the overwhelming success of the show, a donation was also made to the family of Mr. Dell'Arciprete, who is part of a unit based out of McGuire. *The full story of Lt. Colonel Dell’Arciprete’s experience is featured below this update.
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| Cherished mascot Phillie Phanatic implores the crowd to make contributions. |
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Preparation for this event began long before the curtain went up. Under the guidance of Stetson faculty members Heather Dussinger, James Peck, and Andrew White, the students involved in this year’s show spent several hours a week for over a month rehearsing and preparing for the big night. As an added highlight to the event, the Phillie Phanatic made a guest appearance. The world-famous mascot entertained and interacted with the crowd at the beginning of the evening as part of a donation made by the Philadelphia Phillies.
“I think it says a lot about our school and our community that students and families have made a commitment to this great event. Hopefully we can continue to donate to other worthy charities,” said Andrew White, a teacher performer and co-director. The directors hope the event continues for many years to come so other charities will also benefit.
Stetson Teacher Serving in Afghanistan Makes a Real Difference on the Ground
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Lieutenant Colonel J. Dell’Arciprete |
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When an individual makes the decision to pursue a career as a professional educator, it reveals quite a bit about that person’s capacity to make a commitment, dedication of purpose, and integrity. All those traits are further amplified when the same person also commits his or her time to protect and serve their nation as a member of the armed forces. Whether through the National Guard, the Reserves, or through regular enlistment, anyone willing to put their life on the line to follow through on our country’s goals and alliances, and protect our security, deserves more gratitude from fellow citizens than words alone can provide.
A 6th grade science teacher at Stetson Middle School, LTC J. Dell'Arciprete, USAF, has made all those commitments and more. Through a series of initiatives driven by his unit to help people in the country of Afghanistan, where he is currently stationed, a program has been established working with other countries that will carry the goodwill and support of the American people in a way that our military presence alone cannot. The story, and the effort for which material contributions are being sought, is spearheaded by Cecilia Wright and Elizabeth Bowman at Stetson. Their contact information follows this piece.
LTC J. Dell'Arciprete, USAF, a 6th grade science teacher at Stetson Middle School, is currently on active duty serving in Afghanistan. He is stationed at the air field in Bagram. He and his unit are working with Chaplain La Pac on a project he calls Operation Shoe Drop. The base has two foreign hospitals and one Military hospital that support the local community. The Korean and Egyptian Hospitals are the primary care providers for the locals, and if there is something that they can't handle the Military hospital steps in to provide support where possible. The families, and especially the children, that come to get medical treatment don't have much. So the Chaplains create "goodie" bags for the patient and their families. Joe’s unit has volunteered to work with in-patients at these hospitals. They also organize various sporting events for the local children. They are asking for donations that will go a long way towards making their effort a success.
Some things that are very much needed are:
New or gently-used (nearly new) shoes and socks for children (any size).
Also, Joe would like to collect Sports balls (soccer, baseball, etc) that can be used by the troops and the children for organized sporting events. Whatever can be collected and donated will be greatly appreciated.
Major Russ Relkin and SMSGT Tillotson, USAFR from the PA section at McGuire, will oversee the collection and transportation of goods. Joe’s squadron members will pick up the shoes, etc. and airlift them to Bagram. Shoe collection will be during the entire month of April. Please drop off your labeled items at Stetson Middle School, 1060 Wilmington Pike (Rt. 202), West Chester (or bring to the April Rep. Council meeting.)
The contacts at Stetson Middle School are: Cecilia Wright, cwright@wcasd.net - ext. 2732 and Elizabeth Bowman - ebowman@wcasd.net
For more information contact Rob Partridge / Communications Program Director / 484-266-1170 / rpartridge@wcasd.net
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