SHE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST, THE FEW, TO BECOME A FEMALE COAST GUARD MEMBER IN 1943. TODAY, HELEN COTTON JUST AS PROUDLY TAKES HER VOLUNTEER POST AT PENSACOLA BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. And how are you this morning? A little sleepy? MRS. COTTON HAS GREETED THE CHILDREN AND WORKED IN THE LIBRARY FOR 16 YEARS. SHE'S ON DUTY FOUR DAYS A WEEK. Mrs. Cotton; Well, I do this because I love these kids. Peyton Hoover, 5th Grader; It lifts your spirits because you know someone's there for you. How are you this morning. Oh, you look so pretty. Thank you. You're welcome. SHE'S A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL FOR THE CHILDREN. AT 89, SHE'S AN EXAMPLE OF MAKING A COMMITMENT AND KEEPING IT. Tasha Smith, Parent Volunteer; She's just about lost her sight . She can't see anymore, she can't drive. So, she has to practically bum a ride to get here. Helen; I have macular degeneration and my eyesight is not good. A MERE INCONVENIENCE; CERTAINLY NOTHING TO KEEP HER FROM HER CHILDREN. SHE HAS LESSONS TO TEACH THEM ABOUT PATRIOTISM AND HONORING THE FLAG. Maddie Mateer, 5th Grader; She has told us about when she was in the war and how hard it was. She was actually on a ship. Mrs. Cotton; I tell them a little story about one time I was at a parade and I was the only one around that saluted, and it broke my heart. And I told them whenever you're at the parade and the honor guard comes by, make sure you salute. THE LESSONS, THE HUGS, THE KIND WORDS ARE TREASURES THESE CHILDREN WILL NEVER FORGET; NOR THE LADY WHO SHARED THEM. Tasha Smith, Parent Volunteer; Something might be going on at home, but, when I got to school there was a lady who loved me and who gave me a hug, you know, and made my day better. Mrs. Cotton; As long as the principal lets me come everyday and as long as the good Lord keeps me in good health, I'll be here. Maddie Mateer, 5th Grader; Well, it's just really inspiring because she can't see well, so she has to use a magnifying glass but she still comes here everyday, she doesn't get paid. So, it's almost like she comes here for fun because she loves us all. ANGELS IN OUR MIDST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SACRED HEART CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.