Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Sometimes when a professor assigns a project for students to complete, the assignment takes on a greater meaning then just another homework assignment. That is what happened in Sue Curtis' business communications course this spring.

In Curtis' class, each student was to design and complete a 20-hour service-learning project. This experience was designed to offer students the chance to practice what they were learning in the classroom by becoming involved in something that would be helpful to a community partner.

For Brian Glynn, the choice of what to do for his project was easy. He decided to plan and arrange the welcome home parade for the 229th engineering division.

"I was really excited that Brian wanted to work on the parade," said Curtis. "It was a very ambitious project, but I knew Brian had the passion for it."

Glynn chose this project because he was a member of the 229th when they were called to active duty on Feb. 7, 2003.

"One of the biggest reasons why I chose this project was for my brothers and sisters in the unit," Glynn said. "This unit became part of my family and some of the best friends that I have met."

Before being a member of the 229th, Glynn was on active duty for six years with the United States Army where he worked as a communications specialist. Glynn was then with the 229th until some medical issues arose that inhibited his service to the unit in the area in which they were being sent.After evaluating what he could do, Glynn chose the option of receiving an honorable discharge after nine years of service.

Curtis said that Glynn had the opportunity to communicate in more ways then could have ever been offered in a classroom setting.

"I was proud of the 229th and the student who had put his heart and soul into the planning of their welcome home," said Curtis. "Brian's presentation in class was inspiring for all of the students. He also made a tremendous contribution to the 229th, their families, and the region."

"Most National Guard families don't understand the sacrifice that their loved ones are making until an event like this happens and the soldiers are called to defend our nation," Glynn said. "They are truly what keeps America strong and the best country in the world in which to live. The least that I could do was to help welcome these heroes home by giving my time and efforts for the parade."