Saint Mary’s School Student Unveils Website Dedicated to Local Veterans

Heroes of Ridgefield, interviews with local veterans, photos, inspiration and how you can help

Eighth graders at Saint Mary’s School (SMS) have completed one of the most important tasks during their tenure as a college student – a Capstone Project.

Reflecting each student’s individual interests and passions, projects challenge the student to solve problems, take risks, and ultimately make the world a better place.

Enter Andrew Elliott.

You don’t have to look far to find community members who have served our country in times of war and conflict. They are Ridgefield heroes and through Elliott’s Capstone Project, they are recognized, nurtured and thanked for their courageous acts for our freedom.

“We are extremely fortunate to have members in our community who have served in a variety of conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Korean War and even WWII, as well as military members who support our frontline troops. in other ways,” says Elliott, whose great-grandfather served in the Korean War as a Marine.

Elliott spent time getting to know our local war heroes and shared their stories and photos on a website he created and titled Heroes of Ridgefield.

Elliott’s interviews included (but were not limited to) Issy Caporale (US Coast Guard for 25 years), Major George Besse (US Air Force, medical), Sergeant John Knoche (US Army, active duty in Vietnam) and Tara Tosta (Naval Aviation Officer).

[Please note, these are just a few of the incredible interviews. View Elliott’s “Hall Of Local Heroes” for all of his veteran interviews and photos.]

“I am fascinated by reading first-hand accounts of the experiences soldiers have had while serving on the battlefield. Throughout my interviews, I received many different recommendations on how to help veterans,” says Elliott.

Thank you for your service and how can we help?

Elliott recommends supporting nonprofits that support veterans, including Wounded Warrior Project and K-9 for Warriors and Fisherman’s house.

But donations are just one way to support our veterans. Memorial Day is just around the corner, how about showing those on active duty that you appreciate them?

“If donating to one of these charities doesn’t speak to you, here are some other things you can do to help support our veterans,” says Elliott. Please see his suggestions below:

• Send puzzles, games and other activities that soldiers can do in their spare time.

• Send snacks and drinks.

• Send toothbrushes, socks, and other everyday items that are hard to find on active duty.

• Send lots of letters showing your support and appreciation for what they do.

Thanks to Andrew Elliott for creating Heroes of Ridgefield. It is a real gift for our veterans and our community.

And thank you Saint Mary’s School for teaching your students what it takes and what it means to make a real difference in the world.

Please visit Heroes of Ridgefield online here (you’ll be glad you did).