Korean War Veteran Donates Dictionaries to Every Third Grader in Shasta County

Korean War Veteran Donates Dictionaries to All Third Graders in Shasta County

Dick Wilkerson, Commander of the Korean War Veterans Association in Shasta County, California, has made a meaningful contribution to local education by donating a personal dictionary to every third-grade student in the county.

A strong believer in literacy and youth empowerment, Wilkerson took action to support young learners by equipping them with an essential tool for reading, writing, and vocabulary development. His efforts align with The Dictionary Project, an initiative that encourages students to take ownership of their learning through access to personal dictionaries.

Wilkerson shared his reason for stepping up: “Education is freedom. If we can give children the power to understand and use words, we give them the power to shape their futures.”

Thanks to this donation, hundreds of third graders across Shasta County schools received their own dictionaries. Teachers reported excitement among students as they flipped through the pages, discovering new words and facts. Some even used their new books to write thank-you notes on the spot.

This is not the first time the Korean War Veterans of Shasta County have served their community. However, this time their mission was clear: help shape the next generation through education. Wilkerson’s generous act ensures that literacy continues to be a priority in classrooms and homes alike.