School project continues on
after death

Justin Huffines, a fifth grader at Seymour Intermediate School is heading up a Christmas celebration for the Victoir Lieurance family. Sgt. Lieurance, of Seymour, lost his life while battling in Iraq recently, and Huffines happened to be his pen pal. Beginning as a 4-H class project last year, Justin wrote to Lieurance asking many questions about the living conditions and children in Iraq. “He answered every one of my questions,” stated Huffines. “Although it took a long time to get and send letters I was excited to hear from him.”
Upon hearing the news of his pen pal’s tragic death, Huffines immediately decided that he would attend the burial ceremony. “I could tell he loved kids and he would have wanted me there,” noted Huffines. “I wanted to pay tribute to him for giving his life for our country.”
Corrine Huffines, Justine’s mother, observed that her son was deeply moved by the soldier’s death, and will be assisting in providing the Lieurance family a Christmas party. Both her, and her husband Dwain, work at the McDonald’s on Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville and the restaurant has graciously offered to lend it’s facility to the occasion. Ms. Galyon, Justin’s fifth grade teacher will also employ her entire class for holiday gifts for the Lieurance children. “I am very proud of him to demonstrate what he has been taught all his life,” Corrine stated. “It is much better to give than to receive.”
Justin is very enthusiastic to be a part of bringing Christmas to a deserving family. “He sacrificed his life (Sgt. Lieurance) to help the United States be free; we need to pull together to help his family that he left behind,” he explained. To aid in this event, contact Corrine Huffines at 577-5608 or 748-9829.

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