The third grade students at Point Elementary welcomed veterans from the Jefferson Barracks V.A. Medical Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) to their school for a root beer ice cream float social on Monday, as part of the school’s ongoing community partnership with the two organizations.

The third graders invited their family members and friends who are veterans to attend the event as well, where the students were able to learn more about the local veterans who have served their country.

“I think it’s fun to meet new people and talk to them. I talked to them about their injuries and what they like to do for fun,” third grader Allyson Turner stated.

The Point third graders have been serving and learning from local veterans every year since the partnership was established more than a decade ago. In addition to hosting the veterans for root beer floats this year, the third graders collected phone cards for the veterans last November to use during the holidays to contact their family members who do not live nearby. Members of the PVA also visited Point earlier this spring to present to the third graders about the wheelchair sports in which the veterans participate.

“We’ve really enjoyed building a partnership with our local veterans groups,” stated Point resource teacher Cheryl Jungewaelter. “The veterans are so inspiring, and the kids always look forward to their visits. We think it’s important for the students to learn that just because someone is different, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t approach them or get to know them.”

For more information about the Jefferson Barracks V.A. Medical Center, visit

, and to learn more about the PVA, visit

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