Since the November 25 story of Kirstie Ennis' journey from Milton/PSC graduate, to wounded Marine veteran, to Walking with the Wounded participant, to Paralympic hopeful, she has since undergone the surgery to amputate a portion of her left leg. At the same time, just before Thanksgiving the Santa Rosa County Commission announced it would be a drop-off point for mail of support to the young helicopter gunner.
About 11 organizations, mostly schools, contributed as well as several individuals. Of course many Santa Rosa County schools participated, but a few from Escambia County showed their care as well. The schools included Gulf Breeze Middle School, Berryhill Elementary, Pea Ridge Elementary, S. S. Dixon Primary, Gulf Breeze High, Ransom Middle School, and W.H. Rhodes. Cat Country 98.7 and the Studer Group contributed as well.
Commissioner Don Salter said, "As Americans, especially Santa Rosa County (citizens), are proud of your service. Get well soon. We can't wait for you to get home." Salter said the correspondence should reach Ennis by Christmas, shipped with Veterans Memorial Foundation funds.
VMF President Ralph Nesenson, who helped pack up the cards and himself lost a leg due to military combat jokingly said, "I'll give her walking lessons."
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Mail Call for Sgt Ennis