'Adopted' Marine surprised at school homecoming

Jaden Edwards, a third grader at Copper Creek Elementary School, was devastated after Marine Sergeant Andrew Valora was deployed to Afghanistan last year. Lori Edwards, Jaden's mother, came up with the idea for her daughter's class to "adopt" the Marine while he was stationed overseas.

While Sgt. Valora was stationed in Afghanistan, the students sent letters, care packages and videos to him and his unit, to keep them inspired.

"I haven't got to see him in awhile and I missed him and I really wanted to send stuff to him," said Jaden. "I'm really excited to see him."

Today Sgt. Valora went to the school to thank the students, who made such a difference in his life, but soon found the surprise was on him.

"He's just expecting a quiet little meet and greet and he has no idea what he's in store for," said Lori. "I think the kids are more excited than he is."

Throughout the morning, students, parents and teachers decorated the courtyard for his grand entrance. Finally, as the students tried to contain their excitement, they received the signal - Sgt. Valora had arrived.

As he walked through the doors, the students shouted, "Welcome home, Andrew!"

"I thought I was just going to come home and just see the kids in the class. I didn't think it was going to be a huge production, but it's very nice to see how much they think I meant to them. I hope I can convey how much they mean to me,"  Sgt. Valora said.

As a special treat, the students sang "God Bless the U.S.A."

While he was in Afghanistan, the students recorded a video of them singing the song and Sg. Valora played it for his entire unit.

"When I showed that on my computer, there wasn't a dry eye in the tent," Sgt. Valora said. "I tell you there's something about a bunch of kids singing, ‘I'm proud to be an American,' that really hits you, really makes you know why we do this ultimately."