WOODBURN, Ind. - Woodlan Middle School teacher Tony Girod admits this Veterans Day has extra special meaning.
Girod returned to the classroom on Monday after an 8 month deployment to the Middle East.
Girod, a tech sergeant at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, helped the fueling of planes used in military operations.
At a Veterans Day assembly at Woodlan on Thursday, Girod was honored by the school for his service.
Girod is also the high school varsity wrestling head coach; and his return to the classroom also coincided with the beginning of the wrestling practice season.
Warrior wrestlers wore camouflage T-Shirts that bear the words "Girod's Guard" as a sign of support.
Girod says he missed most of the comforts of home, but was particularly emotional when talking about missing his 3-year-old son.
Girod says he hopes to have a long career at the 122nd, and says his message to his students is to be thankful to live in the United States, and be thankful to the men and women who have fought for the country.