I would like to share a very important story with you.

I am currently deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team from Fort Drum. Though I have a lot of news from here, something very important took place June 23 at the Springside Inn.

My mom had a retirement party after 33 years of teaching third grade for A.A. Gates Elementary School in Port Byron. My mom is a very special person. She is a dedicated teacher, role model, mother, wife and grandmother.

I didn't realize how wonderful of a teacher she was until I got older. People would ask if I was Mrs. Jorolemon's son? Or say “Your mom was my teacher” or “Your mom was my children's teacher.”

Over the years she has touched hundreds of children's lives in Port Byron, and I would like to express how important she is to me, my family, and the community of Port Byron. My mom raised me to be who I am today, and I am very proud of who and what I have become.

This is my third combat deployment. I am immensely proud to be a soldier, a 10th Mountain Division soldier, and a native of central New York, but most of all to call Arden Jorolemon my mom. I am sure there are many former students that feel the same way as I do. So from the community of Port Byron I say thanks for being a great teacher, but from a son I say thanks for being a great Mom and a role model for me. Mom, I love you very much and I hope you enjoy your retirement. You definitely deserve it.

Richard Jorolemon SSG(P)

formerly of Port Byron,

serving in Afghanistan