WELLS — Shortly before summer break, Col. Paul Dynan of the Rhode Island National Guard traveled to Wells Elementary School to visit briefly with students to thank them for all the gifts of food, letters and other items that he and his fellow servicemen and women received while serving in Afghanistan during the holiday season of 2013.

In the courtyard of the school, Dynan presented students with a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the U.S. Armed Forces for their generosity.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Dynan of the greeting he received by students during the brief, outdoor assembly in June. “The kids were great. When we received everything, all the cards and letters over in Afghanistan, it was awesome. It just brought huge smiles to everyone’s faces.

“And just having the opportunity to come and thank them, and to see them all out here assembled for me was very touching and greatly appreciated.”

Dynan is a friend of the school’s secretary, Chris Yeomelakis, who said Dynan’s tour of duty, which began in June 2013 was extended. He remained on active duty until March 2014.

After Col. Dynan returned to New England, Yeomelakis invited him to WES to meet the students and staff who worked on Project Christmas and to hear them all welcome him home.