Typically, school kids are forced to keep quiet at school assemblies, but Thursday afternoon at Campbell Ridge Elementary in Alexandria, Ky., the entire school went wild when men from the 101st Airborne Division marched into the gymnasium.
The school took part in "Charlies Angels" which is a group that organizes and sends gifts to the Charlie Battery "Hellfighters" of the 2-44 Air Defense Artillery based out of Fort Campbell.
Karen Barto is Alexandria's city clerk and organized the community to help the troops.
"We wanted to basically give them something from home by anyway we could," she said. "We'd send them birthday cards on their birthdays we've collected cards from the schools. Just something to make their life a little easier while they were away serving our country."
Many of the troops were returning from their third mission to Iraq and were grateful for the support from the Alexandria community.
First Lt. Joshua Lynn could not believe the feeling when he walked into the gymnasium.
"It's been amazing today. Such a warm reception, the community has been so great .
It's overwhelming I mean it really is. Going from a place that was so desolate to a place that is so heart felt."
They men visited nine places during the day including the Fort Thomas V.A. Hospital, schools and the day ended at an open house at the Alexandria Community Center.
This was the thrid trip to Iraq for many of the men. An open house is underway until 7 p.m. at Alexandria's Community Center.
