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9-year-old soldiers on through 145 Veterans Day letters

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Dylan Martin, son of Abby Martin, of Marquette, wrote, addressed and mailed 145 personal letters to veterans this year in time for Veterans Day.

V - Veterans deserve thanks for their service, and 9-year-old Dylan Martin, of Marquette, wants to ensure all service men and women know that others appreciate their important deeds. Even kids in third grade, like him.

E - Even though his “hand cramped, a lot,” Dylan hand wrote, addressed and mailed a total of 145 letters last week to veterans around the country and overseas in honor of Veterans Day this year. The son of Abby Martin, Dylan started this kind gesture a few years ago. 

T - Thank you. Saying so, in his letters, is the main purpose behind the time consuming project for this caring young man. “I asked my mom what Veterans Day meant. She told me, and I thought it would be nice to send them letters to say ‘thank you,’” he said. So, instead of playing outside or riding bike, this MFL Mar Mac student got to work over the last month.

E - Every veteran’s name that Dylan receives is worthy of receiving an endearing note of correspondence from him, saying “thank you for their service and for keeping us safe,” he explained. “I also tell them about me a little. I just hope to bring a smile.”

R - Really, it makes Dylan happy knowing that he’s being “nice” and making veterans happy with his letters. He said, the first year he drafted letters for Veterans Day, he completed and sent 20 to close friends and family. The second year, he sent out 50. Last year, the number jumped to 70-some. This year, he doubled that with the 145 letters. Recipients, of course, include his cousins, uncle, great uncle, great aunt and great-grandpa who are all present or past members of the military. They’ve even inspired him to think about going into the National Guard someday.

A - Asking on social media is the main source of Dylan’s audience of veterans. His mom asks, and they receive names and addresses from people they know. “This year, we were floored by the responses,” said mom, Abby. But, when it comes to addressing the envelopes, her son writes them all, as well. 

N - Near and far, Dylan’s efforts are treasured and, oftentimes, he gets letters or other gifts in return. “My cousin, Jason, sent me a T-shirt and backpack from the National Guard, where he works. And, I got patches!”

S - Simple in concept, yet so wonderful in spirit, Dylan was assisted with donations of stamps, stationary and even an award last year from the Marquette American Legion for his thoughtfulness, compassion and hard work. Next year, he plans to continue writing letters to veterans for Veterans Day. Who knows, years from now, as he pursues his dreams of attending the University of Iowa and becoming a contractor and railroad engineer, he’ll look back fondly on when he was 9, when he admirably shared his big heart with some of the strongest, most courageous men and women for Veterans Day.

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