Local Teacher Returns From War

A local reservist who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom returned to his civilian job today. He's a teacher. And he was reunited with his students in Pennsauken who followed his every move overseas. This is a story about a guy who loves to teach and his students who love their teacher.

It's not every teacher that can keep the attention of students at the end of the school year. The 7th grade science teacher was called to duty, his students felt the loss.

Students said of their teacher, Mr. Gilbride, “He makes us learn in a fun way.” and “I was scared.”

Like the rest of us, his students watched the reports on TV about bombing and fighting around Baghdad.

“I was worried if he was going to get shot,” said one student.

So when Mr. Gilbride sent his address, dozens of worried students began sending letters and e-mails.

Another student said, “We would know he was all right when he writes us back.”

For months, the students didn't forget their teacher, and he didn't forget them. His correspondence with dozens of students was contagious. They raised money by selling yellow ribbons for the USO. “I never would have imagined there would be so much love and support,” said Mr. Gilbride. “I felt fortunate to be in the military and a teacher because of the support,” he said.

And that love and support is evident by all the signs displayed around the school. There are some lessons here you won't find in any textbook. He has the summer off, then he's going back on duty in the Navy.

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Author: Copyright 2002 by NBC 10. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.