For 48 years, the community of Fairview Park has shown appreciation for the sacrifices members of the Armed Forces make for the community. 

The We Do Care program, sponsored in part by the City of Fairview Park and the Fairview Park Women’s Club, directly supports members of the Armed Forces from the community. 

One facet of the We Do Care program is the essay writing contest. The contest is open to any middle school student in the community. This year, Lewis F. Mayer Middle School had two students recognized as winners of this essay contest: Rosie Jones, grade 7, and Helena Goodall, grade 8.

According to the city of Fairview Park website, the writing contest's goal is “acknowledging overseas members of the Armed Forces and expressing gratitude for their sacrifices in keeping the United States safe and free.” A volunteer group of residents judges the letters submitted by students.

“We started ours well before they asked us,” seventh grade English Language Arts teacher and Army veteran Kale Chevalier said. “I think it’s very important that we recognize the soldiers overseas. I know firsthand that receiving a letter boosts morale a hundred times fold.”

“We do current events all the time, and we talk about how our soldiers are over in other countries,” eighth grade Social Studies teacher Bryan Weir added. “We study the American Revolution and we talk about the Constitution. So it all fits right in that we have people that defend what we have in the Constitution. So, I think it’s very important.”

Resident Harriet Beekman began We Do Care in 1976, “in response to the diminishing patriotism during the Vietnam era,” according to the city of Fairview Park website. Today, the initiative continues to thrive under the care and guidance of her grandson, Jared Gepperth.

One part of the program is sending gift packages to military personnel. Over 1,000 boxes have been sent to troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I knew Harriet because I’ve been teaching so long,” Weir added. “She came to my class many, many years ago. Kids that I had in class before who were in the military came back and said they got letters from Harriet and things like that. So, it’s kind of neat to make the connection like this really does happen.”

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the city held a special ceremony in council chambers to recognize the winning students. 

“To protect our country from other countries that want to take away our freedoms, we need a strong defense system,” Jones said in her letter. “Brave servicemen and servicewomen like you make our military effective against those who would harm us. Your bravery is what keeps the people of the United States safe from losing our freedoms. Americans are very lucky to have strong people like you protecting us.

I want you to know how much I appreciate your sacrifices and courage. You help make Americans feel safe in their homes. I am grateful for a country that makes me feel safe and also for your service. I hope that you stay safe and feel appreciated for the work that you do.”

“Your commitment to protecting our freedoms and ensuring our safety, the safety of those who are only strangers, is something I hold in the highest regard,” Goodall wrote, in part, in her letter. “But your impact extends far beyond your service. Veterans like you continue to strengthen our nation in countless ways, whether it's by leadership in your community, mentorship to younger generations, or simply sharing your story to inspire those around you.”

“The We Do Care program not only serves to thank our active service members but to allow our students the opportunity to express their gratitude,” Fairview Park Mayor Bill Schneider said. “I am extremely proud that we have such a program in this community and at the participation of our students.”