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DEL.ICIO.USStaff Sgt. Bobby Hollar taught them a lot. The hardest lesson, they had to learn without him
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The students at Crescent Elementary School in Griffin remember their pen pal as the smiling soldier who popped into their classroom one day last May, wearing his new mint green uniform and desert combat boots — a real-life GI Joe.
With his 1-year-old son, Wesley, at his side, Staff Sgt. Bobby Hollar brought the students pepperoni and cheese pizzas. He told them about his upcoming mission in Iraq with Georgia’s 48th Brigade Combat Team and signed autographs.
A postal carrier in civilian life, the 35-year-old soldier from Thomaston knew the magic of mail that arrives from afar. He pledged to write the students.
And then he was gone.
The e-mails, postcards and photos from Iraq started arriving at the school in August. Hollar wrote of Iraq’s 125-degree heat. He described Iraqi children playing soccer.
“They call it football. We see them playing almost every day,” he wrote.
The children responded with their own letters, written on lined notebook paper: “Don’t be scared because you are gonna be all right.” “Do Iraqi people ride bikes or do they walk?” “Thank you for saving us.” Some drew pictures of bright yellow suns, red hearts and U.S. flags. They closed their cards with “love.”
From Hollar the students learned about soldiering. They learned about the war in Iraq. They learned that many children there live in poverty.
‘You mean he is dead?’
They also learned a more difficult lesson, one that made the war closer and more real.
At the start of September a packet of the students’ letters came back from Iraq, bearing an official stamp: “Return to Sender. Left No Address.”
The school year was just a few weeks old. Hollar’s pen pals were fifth-graders by then. On Sept. 2, Katie Cobb assembled her fourth-grade students — and the fifth-graders she had taught the year before. With a guidance counselor alongside, Cobb began the lesson she hoped she would never have to teach. She told her students their friend had hit a bomb.
“And unfortunately, he didn’t make it,” she told them.
She recalls a young boy asking, “You mean he is dead?”
Hollar and Sgt. George Ray Draughn, 29, a Coca-Cola delivery driver from Hiram, were fatally wounded when their Humvee hit an insurgent’s roadside bomb south of Baghdad. They were members of the Griffin-based Echo Troop, 108th Cavalry Regiment.
The news stunned the youngsters crowding Cobb’s classroom. Some were expecting to hear they were getting a new letter from Hollar. Others said they knew something was wrong because Cobb was red-faced and appeared upset.
“Everybody in the class started crying really hard,” said Caylee Wilson, 10, a fifth-grader who had given Hollar her camouflage “Courage” bracelet for good luck when he visited.
When the students were dismissed for recess that day, they moped around outside instead of playing. One boy vowed revenge against Hollar’s killers.
Cobb and the principal sent letters home to the children’s parents. They offered counseling. One evening later that month, several kids stood in a grocery store parking lot near their school and watched the hearse bearing Hollar’s body drive by. Some saluted and waved U.S. flags.
“I wanted to see the car go by. I was sad. I missed him,” said Lesley Hitson, 10, a fourth-grader.
Lesley’s 10-year-old classmate, Tiffany Holloway, attended Hollar’s funeral the next day, Sept. 11.
“It was sad. My mom started crying. I wanted to go because of what he did for our freedom,” Tiffany said. “And I wanted to support him in some way.”
On Thursday afternoon the students honored Hollar, who was promoted posthumously to sergeant first class, on what would have been his 36th birthday. They dedicated a freshly planted magnolia tree in his memory near the school’s main entrance. The students sang “Proud to Be an American” and unveiled a granite plaque with Hollar’s name on it.
Another friend to write to
Hollar’s parents and his widow, Amanda, met the children for the first time at the ceremony. Since her husband died, the students have been sending Amanda letters telling her, “We miss him,” “We are praying for you,” “We are sorry he died.” Amanda led the children in singing “Happy Birthday” to her husband. She said she had seen him in a dream, wearing his postal uniform, the night before.
“He is probably looking down on us right now,” Ryan Ragsdale, 10, a fourth-grader, told Amanda.
“He probably is,” she replied. “I know he is proud of what you all have done.”
After the ceremony, the students showed Amanda something else that helps them remember their friend. They have dedicated a wall in their classroom to Hollar. Just to the right of the door are the postcards, e-mails and photos he sent from Iraq. A girl inched up to Amanda and hugged her as she studied the wall.
Around the corner is a new display of letters and photos. The children have started a pen pal relationship with one of Hollar’s friends from the same unit.
Staff Sgt. Rex A. Duke, of Locust Grove, visited the classroom while he was on leave from Iraq the week before Thanksgiving. They asked Duke what kind of gun he carried. They asked him whether he was afraid. He told them he missed Hollar.
And then he was gone.
The children are expecting Duke to return from Iraq before the school year ends. They’re waiting expectantly for him to step through that classroom door one more time.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Jeannie
April 14, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
This is a very touching story. Times like these are very hard to understand and handle. I lost two close friends of mine, in Aug.05, and I just can’t seem to delete their phone numbers from my cell phone. My daughter knows that the unit, they were in, will be coming home in less then a month, and I think that is when it will hit us the hardest, for they won’t be with our other Scout Friends. We went to Ft.Stewart and placed items around their trees and have included them with everything that we have left at the unit, as well as with welcome home signs. When someone touches your life, the way that these men and women have, it truly is hard to say good-bye……
By pamela bentley
April 14, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this
My husband is with this unit. Sgt Hollars death affected all of these men deeply. When in thier shoes you hope for the best and except what your given. Everyone knew the danger but none of us expected to hit home so personally. If Amanda is out there and reading this I want her to know that I have been praying for her and her family. A loss no matter how far or close you are with a person is still a loss. My husband will be home soon and I couldnt imagine not being able to see him. My husband and I have divorced each other and then remarried each other. We have both lost our mothers to cancer. We have had our share of heartache.But none of this compares to what Amanda is going through. Thank you for supporting your husband and allowing him to fight this great nation of ours. His death will not be in vain but will be a rememberance to us of the true dedication to our country and family. They served with honor and pride. The media doesnt display this fairly enough. All we here is how Bush is slipping in the poles. If it wasnt for the courage, the stamina, and the sacrifice of all of these men and women we wouldnt ever have a democracy to complain about. God Bless all of You, Pam
By Beverly
April 14, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
As I am reading this I am crying uncontrollably. This is a very touching story to me. Although I do not personally know anyone in the war,this story really makes me sad. Its a sad state when children are exposed to something like this. I pray that all of them are a little stronger and wiser for having known Sgt Hollar. Good bless the children and his wife and family.
By Sam Hudson
April 14, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
Great story!I’m so sorry for the family ,he was a geart leader of his family and the school kids, need more MEN like him.
By DustinH
April 14, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
I pray for all the people over in iraq, and thank you for what your doing!
By Jesse's Girl
April 14, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Regardless of your stance on this war…supporting our troops MUST be unrelated. This is their job. Just as our job requires us to fight off the horrid Atlanta traffic…or work long hours….or teach our children….or protect and serve….this is their JOB. They do it with pride and with grace. And sometimes they die. I thank each and every one of you. May God richly bless you and your’s. For you are a continual blessing to all of us.
By raceman94
April 14, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
Very sad story. I’m to busy crying to say anything else.
By Jesse's Girl
April 14, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Thank you from the bottom of my heart…to every soldier. Regardless of the duties you perform for this country. You are loved, and you are appreciated. However one feels about the war, our troops deserve your support and your pride. They work for their families just as hard as you or I do….harder at times. I cannot say enough how proud I am of this country and the men and women who choose to fight for it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
By Iyobo Ogboro
April 14, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Very touching story. You cannot read it without crying. You build friendship and suddenly, it is gone. Thank God for the insight Sgt. Holler was able to share with the children at the school. I know that will be one memory that will forever be etched in their minds even after time has healed the present wound of his death. We thank God for people like Sgt. Holler who are willing to risk their lives for our freedom. Amanda, we mourn with you and your son. Sgt. Holler, we appreciate you! To the men and women still over there, WE SALUTE YOU!!!
By Debbie
April 14, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
This story tell all. I did not know Sgt. Hollar but after reading this story I feel like I do, he was a real hero. I will pray for his wife and child. Also Thanks to Staff Sgt. Duke for stepping in.May God bless him and bring him home safely.
By Joe
April 14, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this
Good story, good lesson also for the kids to teach them that freedom is not cheap and should not be taken for granted. With that said, it’s still difficult for young hearts and minds to deal with, its hard for this middle age man. My thought sna prayers to his wife, children, family and the unit he served in. I am prould of all the troops and those that support them.
By Melva
April 14, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
God Bless your family and these courageous children. They have been blessed to know such a spirited individual and leader. I wish all of you the best. God Bless you and our troops. Melva and Steve
By msteven
April 14, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
Is there an end in sight? why do I keep gettting the sinking feeling that this is turning into another long drawn out vietnam inwhich 58,000 casualites later..we withdraw? eventually that is what we are going to have to do..withdraw. those rag-head idioits dont value life like we do. Its routine to witness death over there in that hell hold..Pull our troops out. gradually but steadily and leave that country to their inhabitants, and their issues. One can clearly see, they arent going to give up anytime soon. my opinion.not open for debate.
By cindy m
April 14, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
msteven, sorry you are in the wrong place. This is not the editorial section, nor are these families interested in your editorial. Nor does your editorial inspire change, just reveals your bitter attitude.
By Momma Kat Orr
April 14, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
OMG I am in tears. How heartbreaking. But… I know for a fact that those kids made his time in Iraq more bearable… soldiers just adore “kid mail” and I’m positive he treasured each one… as much as they, likewise, treasured him.
All of y’all are in my prayers!
By Robert Stokely
April 14, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
SGT Bobby Hollar and soldiers like him are willing to pay a price so the rest of us don’t have to. They go with pride, serve with fierce stamina in harsh and hostile conditions, giving full measure and then some. They ask nothing in return, not even our respect. Yesterday, I was privileged to be at this ceremony and place my hand over my heart as my way of paying tribute to SGT Bobby Hollar and his fellow soldiers who gave the fullest measure of service one can give for their country and our freedom. I was privileged to stand two of SGT Hollar’s fellow soldiers, both having been seriously wounded a month or so after SGT Hollar was killed - and both left with injuries they will bear for a lifetime to come. I was privilged to see my friend, Amanda Hollar stand tall and proud for her husband and in her own honorable right. I was privileged to see these wonderful school children exhibit the purest of respect and patriotism. Some say Freedom is not free; I say Freedom is free for many because soldiers like SGT Bobby Hollar and his family have paid the price for us all. GOD bless the Hollar family and thank you SGT Bobby Hollar - I shall never forget your name, your service, and the price you paid so I can be free.
Robert Stokely Sharpsburg GA
By Debbie Mashburn
April 16, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
May God Bless these children, they have learned a hard lesson and also Sgt Hollar’s wife….you will be in my thoughts and prayers…my husband is with the 48th and expected home in May and I worry every day as I’m sure you did also….your husband was a true hero and your life will be blessed for what you have sacrificed and been through….thank you!
By Randy Head
April 18, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
We lived in Thomaston for 14 years, and I am so sorry that I did’nt know the mail carrier, Sgt Holler, we need more men like him to be idols to our youg people. God Bless his Amanda and family