Reed School Salutes Returning Soldiers

By Larissa Lytwyn

Newtown native Bernie Klaus, a first Sergeant of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, recently returned with his wife, fellow first Sergeant Brook Klaus, from a nine-month station in Kandahar, Afghanistan, to visit former Newtown neighbors Megan Gibbons and Sarah Risko at their classes in Reed Intermediate School.

Dressed in full military uniform, they first arrived at fifth grade teacher Al Washicko’s class to see Megan. “We thanked the students for sending us care packages and letters while we were in Afghanistan,” said Mr Klaus.

In return, the Klauses, who met during their college years at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., sent students thank-you notes and gifts, including an American flag and Certificates of Recognition for their part in supporting military morale.

Most of their work, Ms Klaus explained, a transportation officer, centered on reconstructive efforts. “It was amazing to see how primitive it is there,” she said. “In most places, there is still no running water or electricity.”

Working in transportation, she continued, she sought to improve access and travel conditions.

While there was occasional contact with local Afghanis, Mr Klaus added, “They mostly kept to themselves.”

Mr Klaus worked as an ordinance officer, helping to monitor the behavior and policy protocol of his fellow soldiers.

After quickly visiting Megan, the Klauses visited Sarah at her band class before leaving.

“Next, we’ll be stationed in Fort Drum in Watertown, New York, until our next assignment,” said Mr Klaus. “We still have three years left in our four-year commitment to the US Army.”