CEDAR LAKE | Tom Krueger, custodian at Lincoln Elementary School, will have a change in job responsibilities for the next year. Instead of spending his days at Lincoln, he will soon be deployed to Afghanistan. Tom has been in the Navy Reserves for 4 years. His current title is Master at Arms, 3rd Class, or MA3 Krueger.
Tom and his wife, Katie, reside in Lowell, and have a two year old son. He is a former Hanover student. He has been employed by Hanover Community School Corporation for three years.
After learning about his approaching deployment, the staff was not about to let him go quietly. They quickly worked together in order to show support and appreciation, not only for the work he’s already done for the students, staff, and families at Lincoln, but mostly for his dedication and willingness to serve and protect our rights and freedoms as Americans.
To honor Tom, the staff and students were invited to wear red, white, and blue to show their support. The staff members presented him with a few gifts, including a handmade blanket made by Mrs. Alicia Darnstaedt, 1st grade teacher, and several Lincoln students.
The poem attached to the blanket was written by Mrs. Karen Molden, 1st grade teacher, and read:
Feeling homesick or a little cold?
Take this blanket and gently unfold
Feel our “PAWS” around you warm,
And may God keep you safe from harm!!!
Love,
Your Lincoln Family
The students were especially supportive to “Mr. Tom.” They wanted him to know he would be missed. They cheered for him on the morning of his final day at Lincoln. Tom expressed his gratitude to the staff in an email. “It means a lot to me to have the support that I know is here, tough times are approaching for me and my family, so every ounce of support goes a long way!”
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