Lance Corporal Frank S. Zarate of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment of Camp Pendleton, California recently made a special stop in his cousin’s fourth grade classroom. He came to say thanks for the cards and letters that were sent his way while in Afghanistan. His cousin, fourth-grader Charlie Dollard and his classmates at St. Joseph School knew he was coming and prepared some surprises for him.

Charlie often talked about his cousin, Frankie to classmates. He’s proud of Frankie, who like many in his family, serves his country.

Frankie came to meet the faces behind the letters. He came to share the appreciation not just of himself, but all the Marines who enjoy the letters. He explained to the fourth graders that when a letter is received in the Marines, all his Marine brothers and sisters are recipients; that everyone gathers at mail call and everything is shared. No one is left out.

Frankie had a list of questions that Charlie and his classmates had given him. He graciously gave detailed answers to each question regarding his uniform, the different ranks in the Marines, the type of food that is provided them while in combat. He explained that he joined the Marines because he believed in their mission. He wanted to surround himself with those he respected. When he satisfied their questions, he went on to share some things most important to him.

As Frankie stood in front of the large welcome home sign with personal notes from each student, he spoke more deeply about what was most important to him as a person.

Frankie explained that you do what you are told in the Marines; that following direction, following the rules are most important. He told the students to be sure to listen to their teachers, as they have their best interest at heart. He asked that they be kind to one another, that bullying should never happen. He told each student that they could do whatever they set out to do in life, to never say that you can’t do something. Frankie feels that the word, “sorry” should be the least used in your vocabulary so you have no regrets in life.

Frankie wants to share this message. In fact, he was off to visit two other schools that had been in contact with him while in Afghanistan.

He came to share his story. Charlie and his fourth grade friends learned about Frankie and Afghanistan, but they heard so much more. Frankie opened up about what he feels is important in life. The students listened and heard and are sure to share his message as they move on in life.