Sergeant Alex Koboski, a 2019 graduate of the School District of Black River Falls, spent time with Lori Spaude’s second-grade class after returning from his second deployment in the Middle East. During his time away, the students “adopted” him as a special friend. They sent him handmade birthday cards, Christmas pictures, Valentines, and Easter drawings to keep his spirits high while he was far from home.

“The mission Alex was on ended earlier than expected so the students were able to give him his Valentines and Easter pictures in person,” Spaude said. After he arrived back in town, Sgt. Koboski made a surprise visit to the classroom so the students could finally meet their hero face-to-face.

The students celebrated his arrival by making a large “Welcome Home” sign. During the visit, Alex talked to the children about his job as a mechanic in the Army. He shared photos of the large military vehicles he fixed while he was deployed.

“The students were very respectful and asked questions related to what Alex shared with them and his time deployed,” Spaude said.