The day first-grade teacher, Mary Sue Bunch, heard the news that Army Cpl. Jason Bogar was killed in Afghanistan July 13, her heart broke.
“He looked just how I remembered him,” says Mary Sue, after glancing at a recent military photo.
“Jason had short hair in the picture and looked like a little kid all grown up,” she says, and recalls from years past:
“Jason had a twinkle in his eye, along with a little bit of mischief. If given half a chance, he preferred wrestling on the floor to sitting at a desk.
“He was also very creative and loved to build with blocks and Legos.”
Friend to all
Mary Sue remembers all of her kids in the first grade and what they looked like, as well as their personality quirks.
She says, “Jason wanted everyone to be treated fairly. He would stand up for others, as well as himself, if someone cut in line.”
She read articles written about him and saw photos of Jason playing with Afghan children, whom he adored.
“I remember that Jason saw every child in our first-grade class as a friend,” says Mary Sue.
In the photos, she saw a dedicated, brave, caring and passionate young man doing what he believed to be the right thing for his country.
What Mary Sue realizes in this time of great loss is, “Canyon Creek is only one school. How many teachers across the country are feeling the same way?”
From Maine to Alabama, Illinois to California, there are teachers hurting when a name they recognize flashes across the television screen or is mentioned in a newspaper article. And when the devastating news hits home, there’s total disbelief.
Bob Hagin, a former Canyon Creek teacher, says, “Thinking about the death of a man who, the last time I saw him, was running around the school as a carefree, young elementary student, is disheartening and difficult to comprehend.”
Child at heart
Bogar served in Iraq and volunteered for two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He loved military service and was also an accomplished photographer, sensitive to capturing the essence of his subject matter. In many cases, the photos depicted troops, a tribute to a fallen friend, the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, especially the children.
Barb Liburdy, Jason’s third-grade teacher recalls, “Jason had an enthusiasm for life and learning that was contagious. He also had a great sense of humor.”
Fourth-grade teacher, Linda Brenden, agrees, “He had a wonderful smile that seemed to light up the room. He loved to joke and was very much liked by his classmates.”
Steve Carlson, Jason’s P.E. teacher, recalls, “Jason was a good kid to have in class. He enjoyed P.E. and actively participated. He was a nice kid.”
Fifth-grade teacher, Candy Lamont, echoes, “He was cooperative, energetic and fun-loving.”
Earn your desk
I recall a speech I heard this summer, which goes like this:
A teacher from Little Rock, Ark., welcomed her students on the first day of school to a classroom void of desks. The teacher, determined to teach the students not to take their education or American freedoms for granted, said, “You’ll get a desk in my classroom when you tell me how you earn it.”
Several students said, “We’ll get good grades.”
The teacher responded, “I expect you to get good grades, but that won’t earn you a desk.”
Another student said, “We’ll behave well.”
The teacher responded, “You will behave in my classroom. That won’t earn you a desk, either.”
At that moment, the classroom door opened and in walked 20 veterans dressed in military uniforms, each carrying a student’s desk.
“You don’t have to earn your desk because of these guys. They already did,” came the teacher’s simple response.
Jason Bogar was awarded the Bronze Star posthumously and also a Purple Heart.
As Jason’s former grade-school teachers quietly say their goodbyes, they move on to educating and laying a foundation for incoming students, in hopes they will all turn out as honorable and compassionate as Jason did.
Jason earned desks for these students.
• Canyon Creek Elementary staff members, students and guests will honor Bogar at an assembly at 9:45 a.m. Nov. 7 in the school’s gym, 21400 35th Ave. S.E., Bothell.
Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.
