From: Santiago R. Panamá (SRPANAMA)
Date: 9/21/00 11:36 am
To: Paul Tate (PAULTATE)

Major Tate, how nice to hear from you, really I feel honored to be contacted by a man of such great caliber, and with so much culture as you.

I knew you where on these forums, but I didn't write you because I felt like an aborigine writing to a master in literature as you.

What I felt about Lyman Ward, I believe is what most of the ones who have got out of it a little advantage feels.

And as a kid, someone may not appreciate, but believe me after a couple of years you manage to look back in time, not with the same thoughts a 14 or 15 year old kid, but as a mature human being. And I am really grateful for the United States for open its doors to me of such wonderful country for me to share from the best of its education. I know it is the best, because every teacher I had at Lyman Ward was more than a professional, they cared for their students. And after what you have done that for me, I have it presently on my mind, and I am not even afraid or shamed to thank you here. Because if you didn't wanted me to pass your signature, either literature or grammar, you could have left me behind. But you knew how hard it was for someone who doesn't speak a language to learn what is hard for someone who speaks the same language. I am not saying that you passed the signature to me, I am saying that if you would wanted to flunk me you could easily have done so. But you did not. You cared for us to learn, and believe me we learned.

You had your Method, Dee Orem had its own, and both of you cared for us. Both of you taught us well.

I can only say that I am very grateful at the United States, to Lyman Ward, but lets not just stop here, What make's the United States such a wonderful country? What makes Lyman Ward such a special school? The answer is simple. It's people. That is the reason for it, it is you, because the United States is great because every single man and woman who lives there. And Lyman Ward is great for every Teacher, Tactical Officer, Military supervisor, Clerk and every one who dedicates their life to help and guide others for a better life of their own.

How can I pay you all back for that? There is no way, the only way might be not letting you down and making something out of my self for you someday can say proudly "I was his teacher".

Thanks Paul, Thanks Lyman Ward, and Thanks to every cadet and American I ever meet, you are really one of a kind.

Return to the Stories Contents Page.

Return to the Alumni Home Page.