John F. Kennedy Intermediate School students connected through videoconferencing technology with Deer Park graduate and United States Army Specialist 4 Andrew Farquharson. Students were able to see and interact with Farquharson while learning about his deployment, military facts and life in Iraq via Skype.

Andrew’s younger brother Matthew is a student in Marie Finley’s class, and his peers wanted to express their thanks to those who serve our country. The class began a letter-writing campaign, sending messages of thanks to the men and women of the armed forces, local firefighters, first responders and police officers in honor of 9/11 and Veterans Day. Specialist Farquharson wanted to personally thank students on behalf of U.S. Army 6/8 Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Division, who were recipients of the letters overseas. The informative discussion supported the students’ social studies curriculum and provided insight on topics of government, good citizenship and cultural literacy.

Farquharson enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2010 and attended basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. before being assigned to Fort Stewart, Ga. in May 2010. He was deployed to Ninewa Provinice, Iraq from July 2010 to June 2011 and has received numerous awards for bravery and tactical skills, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Sniper Selection, Good Conduct Service Medal and Member of the Order of the Combat Spur.