Good evening, Brian. The weekend we all needed finally got here, and the beautiful warm weather on Sunday was a bonus! I hope you got some of that sunshine, and had a good one, too.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing Tom Brokaw from where he stood twenty years ago today, at the Berlin Wall. Obviously I don't remember his historic report since I'm just as old as that day – but I wish I had been old enough to see it.

This will be a much brighter week for Nightly News than last – I can feel it. From the moment the Making A Difference reports became a nightly routine, it's been so much more enjoyable to watch. It was overwhelming seeing those emails come in on that first night, and I'm glad those stories are still coming in! Can't wait to see this week's Making A Difference reports!

I'll be joining you soon, as always.
-Cary

In line with famous people doing extraordinary things, I have wanted to tell you all about a performance I attended last week, but I held back thinking it inappropriate in the midst of all the carnage we experienced at the end of the week.

Last Wednesday night Brian hosted a benefit performance in Town Hall in NYC for the Bob Woodruff Foundation (he of ABC News, severely brain injured in Iraq) called "Stand Up for Heroes" and I had the great good fortune to secure one of the last available tickets and be in the audience.

It was described as, and I quote from the program, "an evening of hope, humor and healing to benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation in support of our injured troops." Indeed the first three rows of the orchestra were filled with injured service members and their families and the most moving moment of the night came when Bob Woodruff called each by name and asked them to stand (if they could and achingly, sometimes they couldn't). When he finished, the troops got a sustained standing ovation that Bob and his wife Lee had to bring to an end so the show could continue -- in other words -- the packed house went wild with appreciation.

How terribly sad that the very next day, the roll of the wounded was tragically added to in Texas.

Brian hosted but also on the bill were video appearances by Pres. Bush 41, Michelle Obama and Jon Stewart; live musical appearances by Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen; and live comedic appearances by Louis CK, Stephen Colbert and Lisa Lampanelli. What a night!

Bruce Springsteen performed three songs and then, this being a benefit performance intending to raise money, promptly auctioned off one of the guitars he used to perform. That, coupled with audience generosity and an ongoing online auction, raised a great deal of money to help out the injured troops and their families. A successful night as well!

Stephen Colbert wore his camouflage suit (those of you who watch his show know the one I mean) and treated us to a slide show from his show's summer trip to Iraq -- with appropriately funny commentary. He ended by saying he and his team were honored to go to Iraq but wouldn't (expletive) be going to Afghanistan any time soon -- a telling commentary perhaps, on the difficulty and danger of the Afghan war although I rather think that decision would be quickly reversed if he was asked to go. He is a big supporter of the military.

The host (and our anchor) gave us a quick course on MRE's (pun intended), brought his laptop on stage to keep us up with what turned out to be the last World Series game and, tongue-in-cheek, newsman to the core that he is -- the weather that we were likely to experience on the way home! (And yes Brian, it DID sprinkle on my windshield going home.) At one point, this being a NY audience equipped with every conceivable electronc communication device, Brian gave us the score and was immediately corrected by a good part of the audience who knew it had changed as he came on stage! Yeah, a fun night too! A good time had by all!

I got home in time to see the satisfying end to the game and then I watched Nightly which I had recorded. It seemed strange. In this crazy TV world in which we live, Brian has been in my house thousands of times, yet this was the first time I have ever seen him in person. I should tell you he is not just a specter in the ether; he is real and funny and thoroughly nice. But I guess we all knew that!

Good to see Ali Arouzi last Wednesday giving us, as always, a very informative and excellent report on the Iranian protests. Thanks, take care and be safe Ali.

Take care all-

Brian, wow!  I am really sorry that you are changing my favorite NN segment.   That was the attraction --  
ordinary folks doing extraordinary things.   Folks just like me changing the world in a very big way!  

Brian,
I find it un-American that your station and all the speakers at the Berlin celebration conveniently have cut President Ronald Reagan out of the fall of the Wall. If not for him, the wall would still be standing. Your progressive revisionist history really sucks!!!!!!!

I was watching Dan Rather that night... I had been studying world history that Freshman year of high school and had been learning of communism, watching with fascination as history happened before my eyes, changing my textbooks faster than I could read them.  Congratulations to Germany on this special anniversary; I can't believe its been 20 years already!

Way to go Jon! A great story..giving back to the community and gaining so much in return. Hope others are inspired to also do something...we should be "ladies and gentlemen helping other ladies and gentlemen" ...it's that simple.

Brian,
The radical who hailed the shooter as
a hero also was quoted as saying the
Muslims who condemn him are hyprocrites
and guilty of treason which is a good
indication of extreme Islam mentality
and not to be ignored in my opinion.
It is unbelievable the destruction
one man did in the Texas tragedy.
Imagine that it had been a cell of
terrorists in the community.  What
then?

I asked my husband, who is German,
what he thought after watching
Tom Brokaw in Berlin and his answer
was "I'm glad it's all one Germany."

I liked your interview with Jon Bon Jovi
and I agree with him that we're all
in this together.  Everyone should
do his/her part.  And it's wonderful
that he is using his celebrity to
help others.  Good for him!!!

Phyllis

As a Jersey girl who grew up with Jon Bon Jovi I've continue to be impressed with the man he has grown into being.  He truly deserves the attention from the Making A Difference segment.  People need to understand he has been doing so much for so many over the span of his career, no single tv segment could begin to capture it.  

Kudos to a Jersey Boy for all he does.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. You,Mr.Brokaw,Mr.Jennings and Mr.Rather were all part of a huge historic night at the fall of the Berling Wall. It was a momentous event and was a dramatic change for the German people.
Now on to the broadcast.
First of all the report by Mr.Pete Williams concerning the investigation of Army Major Hasan. There seemed to have been warning signs of disturbing bahavior by Hasan, yet many commanders overlooked any of the signs. Now that Hasan is off the ventilator and hired a lawyer it will be interesting to learn more about why he caused this horrible shooting at Fort Hood. One always asks why!

The report by Mr.Potter certainly told of how soldiers came the aid of fellow soldiers. The female soldier in the piece who ignored her own wounds in order to help another soldier is true heroism. I really hope the victims still in the hospital recover quickly and are able to go home soon.

On another note the report by Mr.Roker from Pensacola,Florida showed how Tropical Storm Ida is causing high surf along the beach. Much heavy rain will be falling along the panhandle of Florida along with Southern Georgia. We are expected to receive alot of rain during tomorrow and into Wednesday in the Northern part of Georgia too. I hope it passes quickly.

The report by Mr.Brokaw from Berlin really showed a huge celebration on the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with many dignitaries attending the festivities. It was interesting hearring and seeing the comparisons Mr.Brokaw made in relation to what East and West Germany were then and now. Many challenges and changes for the region along with a struggling economy. Still many East Germans think of themselves as East Germans as the West Germans think of themselves as West Germans. This anniversary might be a time to renew the country. Much has been accomplished already, but there is more work to be done.

The "Making A Difference" segment you did with Jon Bon Jovi was really nice. He is doing great work in making affordable housing for families in need. Living in these apartments while training for jobs and taking classes encourages success with people. i agree with him in the power of "we" in working together to fix things and make them better. I thought it was funny when you asked him what happens when he hits bureaucuracy and he said that's when he can use his celebrity status a alittle. It can work!
He is doing great work in the area! Nice piece!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO

Hi Brian,

I hope you had a good weekend and got some rest.

As for the health care reform bill, it's nice for us as a nation to be moving in the right direction, but of course there are some issues that need to be worked out. Currently, 85% of private health insurance plans cover an abortion. The way things will change for women in the future: women will have to pay for an abortion using their own money. I personally wouldn't get an abortion and would try to get any of my friends or relatives to think about alteratives. However, we still have Roe Vs. Wade, so in a way, the far right has won. They probably think that if women have to pay for it out of their pockets, (even is she has insurance of any kind), it would make women think twice (which they think twice and thrice any way). Those who oppose abortion may not have thought that far ahead. As I explained in another post, most women don't take abortion lightly. In a perfect world, there wouldn't be unplanned pregnancies. If so, adoptions would take place instead of abortions. In a perfect world, there wouldn't be rape. No one would be poor, and hey, everyone would have access to health care! So back to square one.

Now why would we need to discuss Sammy Sosa's skin change color on the Nightly News? Because everybody's talking about it on U tube and twitter? Is that one of those "elective mini segments?" And why do we need to make a big deal out of a mare beating the boys? Lester ran that earth-shattering piece last night.

I enjoyed your "Making a Difference" segment with Bon Jovi. The renovated apartment buildings are nice. I'm glad that some are set aside for people with HIV. I look forward to seeing how other celebrities are making a difference.

Brian, you looked very animated tonight. You had quite a few facial expressions. And you wore a purple tie. I'd send you a small printed purple paisley tie but I know you wouldn't wear it. A girl can dream...

See you tomorrow night and hopefully it won't rain too hard. We're under flood watch. Take care.

Vicki

P.S. Here's the link to NARL-pro choice and about the new health care reform bill:

choiceamerica.org/news/press-releases/2009/pr11072009_househcrbillstupak.html

Tonight's story regarding the Berlin wall fell very short and exhibited one more time how the media kowtows to the left; were that not so you would have mentioned, and done so proudly, that Pres. Ronald Reagan  was instrumental in the wall coming down.

I would like to invite you to check out. The "Love Kitchen", located in Knoxville Tennessee. It is run by twin elderly ladies who spent years working at a local hospital preparing food. Today the Love Kitchen provides free meals to anyone who needs to eat but may not have anywhere to go.
It is operated by all volunteers and its story is one of beauty and of great love.
One of the ladies said that her father had told them three things early in life; one was " there is only one race, the Human Race" another was " never take the last piece of bread from the table". I cannot remember the third but it ws just as profound.
The local NBC affilaite here...WBIR T V had a  story on the Love Kitchen tonight.
It inspired me to sned this note along to you for your people " Making a Difference" segment.
Ihope you will give some consideration to airing their story nationally.
             Sincerely John Caldwell/ Knoxville Tn.

Hello! I would like to say that tonight's broadcast was great. The "Making A Difference" report was very interesting to me because it allows ordinary people to see part of a celebrity's true character. This also clears any stereotypical views towards celebrities. I am very pleased with the creative intuition of this report idea. I will be looking foward to more broadcasts with a twist.  

Jon Bon Jovi is such an amazing person...This world needs more people like him!

Thanks Brian!

love your making a difference. how can i hel;p with bon jovi's projectg

It's says alot when you can say you lived History and don't have to read about it being told. Yes the Berlin Wall fell and I hope one day there will be one Korea.

I agree with President Obama we should wait before prejudging the Fort Hood shooter. Senator Liberman is cauging chaos with his statements. Strange how Senator Liberman never served in the Military. Even Senator Coburn is blocking Military funding for Health Care to our troops while he was a Vietnam Draft Dodger himself. Many of our Law Makers who support these two Wars dodged the Draft themselves.

I saw a shocking example of how disrespectful Law Makers are to woman. As a femalie Law Makers tried to speak in the Heath Care Hearing she was shouted down by Republican Law Makers. After Joe Wilson wasn't corrected for his disrespect to President Obama it seems Republicans are going after woman now.

Nice to see Jon Bon Jovi giving back. It's something about Jersey that no matter where you are you miss home. He was right we have turned into two Americas the haves and the have nots. We forgot why our country was founded. I never miss a chance to watch baby Eli and the Giants while wearing my number 10 jersey.

Have a great night all

Homes for the "less fortunate" has a special place in my heart.  I grew up "poor" and have earned a degree in Architecture as my marriage failed.  I have been designing homes for the past 12 years.  My specialty has been small homes that truly function for the residents that live there.  With today's economy, I am close to homeless myself.  (I'm a single 55 year old woman.) I can't send money, but I can do design work.  Currently I am doing some designing for our local Habitat for Humanity chapter.  Can I help?

Hi Brian,

A terrific Monday night broadcast!  I thought the report with Jon Bon Jovi on how he's helping to Make A Difference was wonderful. It's always great to see successful entertainers, like himself, using their fame to help others. Also, Jon Bon Jovi a loyal Nightly News viewer? How cool is that!? (Makes me wonder if the Boss is a loyal viewer!) These reports this week will be great. Brian, be prepared to be overwhelmed again this week by your generous viewers. I wouldn't be surprised, especially after showing your great appreciation for your viewers generosity.

Great continued reporting on the investigation of Fort Hood. Very troubling news of what we all feared – the connection and speculation of terrorism. As the entire nation holds Fort Hood, and the community surrounding, in our hearts, it's been reported that The Army has reached out to Virginia Tech for guidance on how to cope, and how to help all of the families in the Fort Hood community. Despite the connection of both communities being under such horrible circumstances, the Virginia Tech community is honored and devoted to doing all they can to help the Army and community at Fort Hood.

I spent my Saturday night happily watching a movie over at my dad's, though at the same time just dying to ask to turn on MSNBC (or whoever had the coverage) to watch that historic night when the Health Care Reform bill passed the House (My dad loves history, but doesn't “watch” the news. Which, as you can imagine, just kills me!). As Luke Russert put it via Twitter, “What a historic night. If you love American Political history, today was an early Christmas present.“ Without internet that night, or a TV playing 24-hr news, I was at least happy to have MSNBC break the news to me through my phone via Twitter. Of all days, I wish that Ted Kennedy were here to watch as the time to decide on Health Care Reform has finally come.

It was great seeing Al in the evening to report for Nightly News. I hope everyone threatened by the storm stays safe, and that Al stays safe and gets out of there soon. As a kid I always thought it was funny to see a reporter standing out in a storm like that, as if we needed him/her to show us that the wind IS blowing. I remember as a kid watching on TV two reporters being literally blown away by a storm (I thought it was quite funny) – not until years later did I realize one of those reporters was actually YOU! Now that I'm older I understand that reporters are made to go out into the storm – It's what you do. Just stay safe doing it.

How amazing it must have been for all of you as reporters to witness history on the scene. To be there 20 years later for the celebration, and to look back at that moment must be almost equally as incredible. It was so great to see Tom this evening and to watch his report of the fall of the Berlin Wall, 20 years later. Although I was only 4 months old at the time, I'm glad I could join you and Tom to witness this amazing 20 year anniversary! I'm so glad you are on Tom's team! Happy anniversary to Germany, and also to Tom for the anniversary of his historic report!

Thank you for the broadcast. I hope you have a great Tuesday, and a good night.
-Cary

What part of Brian Williams's job description as the Nightly News teleprompter reader includes soliciting viewer contributions for his pet charities?  It was grotesquely inappropriate to see Brian begging viewers to contribute to an Afghan orphanage that he profiled on Oct. 30 (and again in a follow-up story on Nov. 3).  Common sense and logic tell us that most people have only a finite amount of money to give to charity.  When they are coerced into donating to a particular cause, that money comes at the expense of other causes.  So all the money that Nightly News viewers gave to the Afghan orphanage would have otherwise gone to orphanages in Bosnia, Zimbabwe or the United States, or to other equally needy causes.  Would Brian like to explain to orphans in those countries that they won't be getting any money from his viewers because the Afghan orphans are more important?  (But I certainly hope he continues to tell us again and again how generous Nightly News viewers are.  We love to be pandered to.)  And this isn't even the first time that Brian has used his broadcast to promote one of his favorite charities.  On July 23, Nightly News aired a "Making A Difference" segment about "Horizons", a summer school program that allows public school students to attend private schools.  Brian introduced the segment by saying, "It's popular, it's growing, it's a favorite cause in our household...."  So that means we all need to know about it?  News flash: Not every discussion between Brian and his wife has to be turned into a Nightly News story.  It is completely inappropriate for an anchor to use a news broadcast to hawk a favorite charity.  If Brian wants to promote his pet causes, he should do so in a different forum.  Brian is supposed to be reporting the news, not telling us where to donate money.  Nightly News is a news show, not a telethon.  In fact, I'm surprised that Brian didn't borrow a page from Jerry Lewis and refer to the Afghan orphans as "Brian's kids".  Maybe he should ask for a drumroll every time he announces his new donation total.

Of course, viewers haven't seen the last of the Afghan orphans.  Brian introduced his Tuesday follow-up story by saying that the original segment "...has since become one of the most popular we have ever done in terms of viewer response."  And that's really what matters to Brian and his producers--popular stories that increase the ratings (it's hardly a surprise that Brian chose to air this story during a sweeps period).  Since the Afghan orphans spell good ratings, we can expect Brian to milk this story even more than he did with the balloon boy or Susan Boyle.  Maybe next time he visits the orphanage, he can lead the children in a chorus of "I Dreamed A Dream".

It was obscene that Brian Williams devoted more than four minutes of Monday's Nightly News to a fawning, obsequious interview with Jon Bon Jovi.  More accurately, the story was about Brian hanging out with Bon Jovi and talking about all the great things the singer has done.  Look how cool they are together!  Meanwhile, on that same broadcast, a story about the historic health care bill was given less than three minutes of news time.  I think we know where Brian's priorities are.  Brian would much rather hang out (in his cool shades) with A-list celebs than report the news.  In fact, each day this week, Brian will be doing a story about a different celebrity.  Well, what do you expect?  It's a sweeps month.  Nightly News has become so much like an entertainment show that Brian might as well just drop the pretense and hire an Ed McMahon-type sidekick to sit next to him at the anchor desk.  And Michael Douglas should start introducing the broadcast by saying, "Heeeeeere's Brian!"

But wait, there's more.  Brian didn't mention that Bon Jovi's gig on Nightly News is part of an exclusive two-month "artist in residence" deal Bon Jovi arranged with NBC Universal as a way to promote his new album which will be released on Nov. 10 (the day after his Nightly News appearance).  As part of the deal, Bon Jovi will also be appearing on Today, The Tonight Show, The Jay Leno Show, Saturday Night Live, and Inside the Actor's Studio (which airs on NBC Universal's Bravo channel).  So I guess that's the definition of a symbiotic relationship.  Nightly News gets a ratings bump from Bon Jovi's appearance, and Bon Jovi gets to promote his new album.  Sadly, Brian is taking Nightly News to a new low.  We expect celebrities to go on Leno or Conan or SNL to promote their latest project.  That's why those shows exist.  But when a network news show invites a celebrity to appear for the purpose of promoting new material, that's just shameful.  So from now on, every time we see Brian interviewing a celebrity on Nightly News, we should be wondering what type of promotional deal the celebrity devised with NBC.  Brian, to paraphrase a Bon Jovi song, You Give News A Bad Name.

I know there’s more, but I only recall that the Soviets erected a wire fence to stop the flow of brains to the West and this wall, a symbol of the Cold War, was not only a physical barrier but also a mental barrier.
Anything negative is destined to fail.

I am currently reading, “Gentle Reminders to Help You Live Life to the Fullest,” and one verse
says:-
“I will remember that money is only material, that titles and positions mean little, but that who I am is what really matters.”
I feel, this in a nutshell, is Jon’s answer to Brian’s question: “Why this part of your life?”
Bon Jovi is terrific.

A wise friend once said, “Life is given to be enjoyed.”  With that in mind, I choose optimism any day.(Regarding the Australian study, aired recently)

I would like to nominate Karen & Rick Klemp of Sun Prairie Wisconsin.  I have known them for 30 years now and am continually amazed at the work they do for the underpriveldged people of Guatamala & Tanzania.  They have made over 30 mission trips and currently have an ambulance donated by the town of Sun Prairie for their mission.  You may visit their website (which is still under construction) to see more of what they are doing.  Visit www.bringinghope2others.com.  Thank you for your consideration.  Their mission began many years ago when their daughter nearly died in a swimming pool.  They have dedicated their lives in her honor.

I wanted to ask why Angelina Jolie was not a part of this week’s “Making a Difference”, but then on my coffee break, I see the video clip posted on your site.
Thank You.  Totally Love Angie.
I have been an admirer of Jolie since 2005.
Did a lot of research discovering who she really is.
Found out that she is a kind, compassionate soul and she is a major influence (on her beau, Brad Pitt.)
Pitt has become more aware of humanitarian matters since he and Jolie became an item.
You know, just a little bit of pop culture...
There were “sparks” noticed on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” according to the director of the movie.

Hi again Brian,

It's a "stay at home" day here. I heard that you're going to be covering the  Ft. Hood memorial service while Pres. Obama and First Lady attend at 2. MSNBC announced that, so I hope it's true.

Considering that we have another execution taking place(D.C. sniper), I wanted to post some statistics:

The dealth penality has been around since 1750 B.C., A tad antiquated.)

The top six countries that enforce the death penalty and the no. of people executed in 2008:

1)China (at least 5000)
2)Iran (at least 346)
3)Iraq (at least 342)
4)Saudi Arabia(at least 102)
5(North Korea(at least 63)
6)US(at least 37)
7)Pakistan(at least 36)

That's a scary list to be on.

As for a breakdown in states who have a death penality and those who don't, and the increase or decrease in murders through 1996-2008, here's this link:
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/murder-rates-1996-2008

There doesn't seem to be a huge increase in murders in the states who don't have a dealth penality. So the argument that the death penality decreases crime isn't true.

Brian, I'm getting ready to watch you on MSNBC throughout the memorial service. See you tonight.

Recently, a blogger mentioned that fans mailed Brian gifts, ties, purple ones.  Is that allowed?  Brian, do you happen to like purple because periwinkle is my fave.
I forgot to mention in my prior blog to also say thank you NBC for the interesting "web only" videos.  The food cart videos are interesting.  Learning so much.
Why does it take so long to release the blogs?
At lunch, need something to read.

I am always glad to see positive, uplifting news.  Keep it up!

It is good to give these people some publicity for their good deeds.
I maybe be wrong, but didn't George Bush send 15 billion of taxpayer dollars to fight aids in Africa. How about an evening on the good deeds of the taxpayers?

What you are providing is vital in these pieces. We each have the potential to be a hero - even if we aren't famous, but sometimes we need someone to open our eyes to see the social issues or the creative solutions that are being applied - so we can take our own action. Thank you.

Since it wasn't mentioned in your coverage, I'd like to add three things:

REAGAN
THATCHER
POPE JOHN PAUL II

check out BreadandButterProject.com.  Two sisters, ages 12 and 10 start a co with their parents to help feed the hungry.  50% of their profits from their online products which the girls have designed are donated to charity programs in all 6 NE states.  The girls live in Newburyport Ma and the co is only 3 mos old and it has already been in the local papers as well as the Boston Globe.  They are certainly trying to make a difference.

@ Vicki U:  I do agree with your abortion view.   I have to say this is a women's health issue and men and women should be treated equally.   I don't think I could ever have an abortion but many women do and I want the procedure to be clean and safe.

The men sure will be able to get their vas surgery paid for by insurance and women can surely opt to have their tubes tied via insurance.    

Right now many insurances don't cover birth control but they sure do cover Viagra!     Medicare sure covers Viagra too because my pharmacists friends nearly cry when they are dispensing Viagra under Medicare at 2 per pop per month for free.  

Peace to All!    

Why the switch?  I see celebrity faces splashed all over the television - i can turn on Entertainment TOnight to see news on celebrities and what they are doing, making a difference or not.  I want to see "real" people making a difference.  Pampered overpaid celebrities SHOULD be giving back - they owe it to the people who make them wealthy - the public.  As for your story on Halle Berry, to make a REAL difference she should come and visit the Domestic Violence Center (in the poor city and her hometown) of Cleveland and donate there - there is no brightness and luxury to the Cleveland center where they are struggling to provide basic services to abused women and their families, in one of the country's most economically depressed cities.  Give me a break - put the focus back on the true heroes.    

Making a Difference: Jon-Bon Jovi

The first time I saw Jon was in 1986 in a small border town of El Paso, Texas.
Eventually the band became more successful- I continue going to the concerts and even attended some of Jon's Philly soul games. I have to applaud Jon and all his charity work that he does. When I caught the Monday Nightly News and saw Jon and his contributions --it just makes me want to love this man more. His charisma allows him to bring a focal point that has become increasing more visible with the current economy and everyday people struggling to make ends meet. I just hope he continues this work not only in his native town or Philly but he spreads the word/help to all cities in the U.S.

I recently received an e-mail from my daughter, who is a third grade teacher in Britten Elementary School, Hilliards, Ohio. She wanted names and addresses of living veterans here in Celina, Ohio and elsewhere, if possible. Being an 85year old widow for the last 2 years, I still stay  in touch with several 82 to 88 year old veterans from WWII.(My husband was a volunteer in the Signal corps serving during the Battle of the Bulge)  I gladly sent her 16 to 18 names from all ranks of service, including my late husband's friends. The response was overwhelming and very touching to know that these letters that the children sent were so greatly appreciated on both ends of the spectrum.  It also made me realize , alot can be learned, even at this age, from teachers, their young students and veterans of all ages.  It brought tears to my eyes. To Brian:  Keep up the good work!
A great grandma,
Iona Hoffman

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