Students at Carlton Viveiros Elementary School are connecting with their favorite Marine from thousands of miles away.
Back in December, Lance Cpl. Mark DeMello visited Viveiros students in grades three to five and shared with them what life is like as a Marine. He had students performing pushups and excitedly asking questions. Shortly after his visit, DeMello was deployed to Afghanistan for his first tour in the Middle East. He is scheduled to return home to Fall River this summer.
DeMello enlisted in the Marines on his 18th birthday in January 2009 and went to boot camp that August. The B.M.C. Durfee High graduate was home on leave when Viveiros Assistant Principal Janet Belanger connected with DeMello’s mother Denise. Belanger asked if DeMello would be willing to come speak to the students about his experiences as a Marine.
"It teaches the kids what war really is," said Denise DeMello. "Some of them think it’s like ‘Call of Duty.’ Speaking to Mark makes it more real, it brings it home for them. As a mom I am concerned for his safety, but I’m extremely proud of him."
To show their appreciation for his visit, the students are writing letters to send to DeMello. They are sharing information about themselves, thanking him for serving the United States and asking him what life is like in Afghanistan. The first set of letters will be mailed out next week.
"They got to meet Mark and build a relationship with him," computer lab teacher Mendy Chrupcala said. "They are hoping he visits them when he returns home."
Fourth grader Brianna Cordeiro met DeMello in the Viveiros lunch room. She hopes the letters bring a smile to his face.
"I asked if he’s having a nice day and what it’s like to be a Marine," Cordeiro said. "We’re trying to make him happy by writing a letter to him."
Classmate Marcos Fernandes showed his appreciation for the sacrifices DeMello and other Marines are making by being away from their family and friends.
"I wrote about how he’s helping to save our country," Fernandes said. "The Marines are doing a lot for the United States."
Audrey Figuerido hopes the letters will provide DeMello the motivation to continue with his mission.
"Hopefully the letters will keep him inspired so he can keep doing his work and helping to save everyone."