BY MATT HERSH

Pvt. Thomas Russell had a message to give to the children at the Palmer School.

“Remember to do the Pledge of Allegiance,” he said.  “And study, study, study.”

Russell, 19, whose Army unit is about to be sent to Afghanistan, stopped by the school on Monday, Feb. 12, to meet the children, raise their flag and talk about life in the armed forces.

Upon his arrival, Russell was surrounded by the children, who were fascinated by his Army fatigues, boots and hat.

After a quick introduction, the kids asked in unison if he would help them raise the flag, following him outside.

Crowded in a circle around the flagpole, the group received an impromptu lesson on flag etiquette before hoisting it atop the pole.

Though later most of the children said raising the flag was their favorite part of the visit, they also enjoyed talking to Russell.

Cassie Drago, 5, was more interested in asking Russell about caring for bee stings than about Army insights, but several other children shyly asked questions about where Russell trained, and why he joined the Army.

“There’s nothing better than serving my country and protecting you guys,” he told the group.

Following a demonstration of proper saluting techniques, Russell was given an oversized Valentine’s Day card covered in red, glittery hearts and signed by each child.

“We wanted to thank him for protecting the flag,” said 6-year-old Nicholas Mulry, who has an interest in the military because his uncle is a Green Beret.

For Russell, a life-long Salem resident who wanted to join the Army since he was 12 years old, the visit was part of a quick 10-day trip home from Fort Riley in Kansas, where he has been training for several months.

When he returns to Kansas, his battalion of about 700 soldiers will be leaving for Afghanistan sometime in the next two months, he said.

This will be Russell’s first trip overseas, but he said he’s more eager than nervous.

“I wish I left a month ago,” he said.  “If I’m going over there to make others’ lives better, then it’s all worth it.”

While in Afghanistan, Russell will be working on making sure roads near his base are free of bombs and other threats, he said.

Though he’s been busy visiting relatives and friends, Russell said he was happy to meet the children.

“I think it’s great,” he said.  “It gives them a reason to salute, and it lets them know they’re safe.”

The visit also fit well with the school’s daily patriotic lessons, according to director Lorraine Desharnais.

The children perform the Pledge of Allegiance every day, and occasionally are taught about the different branches of the armed forces, she said.

Since Russell’s mother, Pam, is involved with the school, Desharnais said the visit was easy to set up and well-timed.

“It’s so important that they have an awareness of the flag,” she said.  “As little as they are, they should know these values, and they will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”