Soldiers send holiday greetings to Shelbyville

[IndianaGreen]

Soldiers send holiday greetings to Shelbyville

Updated: Dec 12, 2009 12:06 AM EST
Emily Longnecker/Eyewitness News

Shelbyville - Hundreds of Hoosiers serving in the military won't be home for the holidays, but several of them did show up on a local theater screen Friday night.

The audience at Shelbyville's historic Strand Theater was treated to bright lights and holiday songs during "Stockings By The Fire," a Christmas variety show. But for Leslee Schnieders and her two sons, Vincent and Victor, it was a chance for something more. A chance to see someone they love half a world away.

"We miss him a lot," she said.

Her husband, Sgt. Andrew Schnieders appeared on the theater's giant screen, along with other members of Headquarters Company, 38th Combat Aviation Brigade based out of Shelbyville.

"First, I'd like to thank my wife for all that she does for taking care of the boys and I know it's hard work for the families at home, the same as it is for us here," Sgt. Schnieders said.

All thanks to a satellite dish and a little coordination between the Strand and a military base in Iraq, the soldiers answered questions for the audience.

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=11665787