Classroom Veteran
A veteran and former Dassa McKinney Elementary teacher returned to the classroom Monday.
Robert Snyder, 47, who taught at Dassa McKinney from 1994 to 2002, held two assemblies at the school where he spoke about the books he has written about his wartime experiences.
Knowing that he wanted to serve the country, Snyder joined the Army Reserve as a college student, and in 2003, 15 years later, he was called to active duty for a one year deployment in Iraq.
However, being one of the first to be deployed for the Iraq War, body armor wasn't readily available.
“When they (his Dassa McKinney coworkers) found out I didn't have a bulletproof vest, they collected the money,” Snyder said.
Teachers instructed students, including Snyder's two children — a first- and fourth-grader — to write letters and send cards regularly.
He was so moved by their thoughtfulness that he dedicated his first of four children's books, “What is a Veteran Anyways,” to the school's teachers and staff. He wrote the book in 2003 while hiding from a sandstorm in his tent,
“Not a morning went by without me gratefully thinking of such wonderful coworkers, as I slipped the vest on to begin my daily mission throughout Baghdad,” Snyder wrote in the dedication.
Upon his return, he noticed how his children reacted to the situation. His son became more reserved and his daughter became more social when he was away.
This inspired Snyder to write the second book, “Why Did Daddy Have to Leave?”
Since then he has also written “Dear Brother” and “The New Pony Express,” but these haven't been published yet.
After the two assemblies — K through 3 and 4 through 6 — he met with each grade individually, allowing more time for questions.
“I think it was really awesome and it taught us a lot of stuff,” fifth-grade student, Keagan Book said.
Snyder read the book and also shared pictures with the students.
During the individual sessions, Snyder walked them through the writing, drafting and editing process. And then asked the students to draw a scene that would fit well in one of the books, as he hopes to convince his publisher to use at least one. Some of his favorites will also be posted to robertsnyderbooks.com.
“I would really like it (if mine was chosen),” said fifth-grader Samantha Smith, who drew a piece of protective equipment.
The assembly at Dassa McKinney was the fifth stop on Snyder's book tour.
“It was my idea to approach the school and offer this as a free assembly,” said Snyder, who also attended the elementary school as a child. “Give back to the school that gave so much to me.”
Last week he was in New York, but later this week, he will be speaking at a Slippery Rock School District elementary school.
