Marine Shares Experiences
with Middle School Students

April 22, 2005

Mary Lauren Eubank’s excitement about her husband returning on April 1 from military duty in Iraq was nearly equaled by that of her students who were finally able to meet the soldier this week. First Lieutenant Brett Eubank, United States Marine, addressed each of his wife’s Haggard Middle School English classes on April 18, bringing the real world home and enjoying a homecoming fit for a military hero.

“This experience has made learning meaningful to my students on several levels,” noted Ms. Eubank (pictured). “I was able to heighten interest in writing because of the reason behind their letters to Brett and his company of Marines. Also, I was able to develop a new level of rapport with my students because they knew so much about my personal life...They were able to gain an appreciation for the military and the freedom we take for granted.”

Comparing the Iraq desert terrain to that of his West Texas home town and detailing other experiences during his daily life as a Marine, Brett fielded hundreds of candid questions from students, such as “What exactly does a Marine do?,” “What is it like adjusting back to normal life?” and “Do you have any doubts about serving in the military?” Each of his answers was met with another 10 hands darting up, as students were eager to ask questions.

One of his favorite memories, he said, was that of meeting Iraqi children who would “swarm” out to meet U.S. soldiers. “Kids are kids everywhere. They’re great,” he said. (Some of his other favorites?: the color green, lions and the television show “The Sopranos”)

Mary Lauren and Brett Eubank are pictured with one of Ms. Eubank's English classes at Haggard Middle School.