Local Students Meet Army Pen Pal

It was a big surprise today for some students in Urbana, as they got to meet their pen pal, whos stationed in Iraq. Since August Captain Aaron Armetta and his platoon have been exchanging letters with sixth grade students at Urbana Middle School and fourth grade students at Leal Elementary School. Today he surprised them with a visit to their school. Throughout the year, students sent Armetta and his platoon candy, snacks and a Christmas tree. Armetta says receiving letters and packages from the kids meant a lot to him and his fellow soldiers. He says, "its always nice to know that we have support from back home. It makes our job a lot easier." During his visit he showed the students lots of pictures of Iraq and told them what he does there as a medic. After the presentation, students asked lots of questions, including some about violence. They asked if he had ever been shot or had to kill anyone. Armetta explained that everyday didnt bring violence and that all Iraqi people are not bad people. Captain Armetta is from Mahomet and will be home on leave for two weeks before returning to Iraq. He says he plans to keep in touch with the students.