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NU_stanley_afpn.htm
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Books @ Military.com
Life is Anything But 'Flat' for Stanley
By Staff Sgt. Jim Verchio
Air Force Print News
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (Jan. 26, 2001) -- He's traveled to the White House, Graceland and the Eiffel Tower. He's even orbited the Earth 217 times in the Space Shuttle Discovery.
But, he is not an average boy -- quite the contrary. Weighing in at less than one ounce and towering over no one at 4 inches tall, he is just a world traveler, and now he has made history with the men and women of Operation Northern Watch.
"Flat Stanley," as children throughout the world know him, is a fictional literary character from the book of the same name. In the book, Stanley is squished by a bulletin board. Once he is squished he has a great advantage -- he can be mailed to friends around the world.
The premise of the book is to motivate children to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. Since 1995, Flat Stanleys from around the United States have been mailed worldwide. When Stanley arrives at his destination, participants journal his experiences and forward Stanley to another friend, or send him back to his original destination.
Master Sgt. Dee Spidel, deployed from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., received a Flat Stanley and a request from her niece Marian Marr, who attends Crowders Creek School in Clover, S.C. The child's request was for her aunt take Flat Stanley with her to Turkey so he could experience Operation Northern Watch first hand. Since his arrival, Stanley has flown in an F-16 Fighting Falcon with Brig. Gen. Bob DuLaney, co-commander of the Combined Task Force; he's flown in an F-15C Eagle from Elemendorf AFB, Alaska; and he's jammed with country western recording artist Brad Austin at the Hodja Village Pub.
For DuLaney, flying with Flat Stanley was a one-of-a-kind experience.
"I felt very comfortable having an extra pair of eyes checking my six while flying over hostile airspace," DuLaney said. "Also, knowing that Stanley's experiences would help the kids from Crowders Creek School learn more about our mission made the flight extra special."
DuLaney said it is important to educate the children of America on how the members of Operation Northern Watch are making it better every day.
"It's important for those of us in uniform to take interest and help out where we can because it's great kids like these that someday will be leading and defending our country," DuLaney said.
With his orders in hand, Flat Stanley will soon be placed back in his transport portal called an envelope on his way back home to South Carolina. But his time here was one that made an indelible impression on those who came into contact with him.
"I just want to thank Marian for the opportunity to fly with Stanley," DuLaney said. "It was truly an honor to fly with the little guy." |
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