Austin, TX—Austin ISD's St. Elmo Elementary School students were pen pals and sent care packages during Staff Sergeant Mark Saldana's recent duty in Afghanistan. St. Elmo students will honor SSgt. Saldana with a "Welcome Home" celebration Friday, Mar. 9. The students will celebrate his safe return home with patriotic songs during a special assembly.

Who: St. Elmo Elementary students and SSgt. Mark Saldana

What: "Welcome Home" celebration

When: 9:00 a.m. Friday, Mar. 9

Where: St. Elmo Elementary, 600 W. St. Elmo Road