What would it be like to be adopted by more than a dozen 5 and 6 year olds? A Nevada Army National Guardsman deployed to Afghanistan has first hand knowledge. Home for 15 days, his young friends threw him a surprise birthday party.

They adopted Will, an E4 Specialist with the Nevada Army National Guard nine months ago when he was deployed to Afghanistan.

They would write him letters, and he would write them back.

“Dear Bensen, hey there, thanks for writing me,” one letter begins.

He also sent scarves and other items from a country these kids only know from a map.

The children made him birthday cards.

“You have a happy birthday. You are special to me,” says 6 year old Trent Atkinson as he reads the card he created.

“A cake and hearts and words,” says Madison Ludwig a 5 year old who shows us her card.

There was a cake complete with army helmet. And the kids even dressed up in camo to make Will feel right at home.

“Because he's fighting for our country and he's a good example for America,” says Makenna Yourk a 6 year old student.

With just minutes left they received their instructions on just what to do when Will arrives.

And then, he walks into the classroom to a unison shout of “surprise” and “Happy Birthday Will.”

Will didn't just stop by for the cake. He talked to the class about Afghanistan, the people, where they live, and what he does.

He even answered questions.

“We are Americans and we are proud to be Americans. We can work together as a people and bring a better world awareness,” says Mariona.

The afternoon went on with cake, and a game of pin the star on the soldier.

But as far as these kids are concerned there's only one star in their classroom:
Will Mariona.

Mariona heads back to Afghanistan in about 2 weeks and says his mission should be complete in 2 months.