Gadsden, AL -  

One soldier's journey from Gadsden to Iraq (web | news) has inspired an entire student body in East Alabama. When the senior class returned to Gadsden City High after summer break someone important to them was missing.

Senior Lauren Richardson remembers, "I think everybody's reaction was just shock. No body really knew what to say."

Brandon Teague - one of the school's student resource officers deployed to Iraq with a National Guard troop from Gadsden.

James Kelley says, "It feels really good to know someone over there and know someone that you've loved and care for is over there fighting for you."

Back home, the student body is fighting for him.

Ricahrdson explains, "We just all stepped up and we just really wanted to help Officer Teague."

Kelley says, "One of our librarians emailed him and asked if there's anything he needed for his unit or company and he gave us a list of items. So we're sending these boxes with items they need: lotion, theraflu, cocoa. Anything they need in Iraq we're sending it to them."

The drive began with an incentive. Donate an item and waive a fine on a past due library book but quickly this drive has grown into so much more.

Desiree Goggins says, "It started out small and everybody wants to help now."

But to the students the lesson is about more than helping a local soldier. It's a personal connection to an international conflict.

Goggins says, "To help him made me feel like I was helping our country."

Donations will be accepted through the end of this month. For a list of items the school is connecting click here.

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