Soldier Returns To OKC Middle School To Say 'Thanks'

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Students at an Oklahoma City middle school have been busy collecting and organizing care packages to send to soldiers overseas.

One Oklahoma soldier has returned to his alma mater to say "thanks" and to show students what a soldier's life is really like.

US Army National Guard Specialist Donnie Watts attended Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School years ago and recently served a tour in Afghanistan. He is currently on leave, but will be deployed in two days.

Soon, he and several other soldiers will be getting care packages from these students.

"It boosts our morale, puts a smile on everybody's face and it also means a lot to us," Watts said.

There are cards, sweet treats, and several other things packed into backpacks to give the soldiers a taste of home while they are far away from their own.

And several students are thrilled at fulfilling this homework assignment.

"Yes! I'm going shopping after school!" said C.J. Koso, an eighth grader.

For soldiers like Watts, these care packages are priceless.

"It means a lot to us because it means whenever we come back home, we know that people are there and they actually care about us."