Members of the 122nd Air National Guard and the Allen County Commissioners are introduced to an assembly of Leo Elementary students by principal William Diehl

Members of Fort Wayne's 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard today received over $500 worth of long-distance calling cards from students at Leo Elementary School as part of the Allen County Board of Commissioners' "Heart to Heart" program.

The cards were given to representatives of the Guard by members of the Leo Elementary Student Council during a special school assembly which included an appearance by Commissioners Bill Brown, Linda Bloom and Nelson Peters.  The cards will be used by about 40 Guard members who will soon be deployed overseas for a six-month tour of duty.

"Thanks to the support of Leo Elementary School, 'Heart to Heart' is making sure soldiers have the chance to hear a friendly voice from home without the financial burden," said Commissioner Brown.

"I know the members of the 122nd Air Guard appreciate what you've done," Commissioner Bloom told the students.  "And on behalf of all Allen County, I want you to know how proud we are of young people like you."

"Heart to Heart" was established by the Board of Commissioners in 2005.  The project was designed to make it more affordable for members of the Guard and Reserve from Northeast Indiana to call home while they are serving in the Middle East.  Thanks to the generosity of Allen County residents, "Heart to Heart" has been able to raise over $6,300 in the past four years to purchase long-distance phone cards for our servicemen and women.