Elementary school students in Waupun got a special visit Thursday, from a pen pal Marine.

Kathryn Calder's third grade class at Washington Elementary wrote letters and sent care packages to Lance Corporal Adam Riel while he was in Iraq. Thursday, those kids welcomed Riel back to his hometown with signs, banners, and smiles. The Lance Corporal was injured while serving in Iraq.

After a warm reception, Riel talked to the kids about his time in Iraq. "The kids have asked me how it was over there, how hot it is, all different questions. I asked them what they do, how they like school, how they like Ms.Calder's teaching. I know she's a good teacher."

The class decided to use some hard earned fundraising dollars to host a pizza party for their pen pal.

They also decorated sidewalks, posed for pictures, and dressed in red white and blue.