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Indiana Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, enjoys a slice of square pizza and a cardboard carton of school milk with Joe Ringer (right). Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matt Scotten. (Provided photo)

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Fifth grader invites General to lunch

Updated: Wednesday, 20 Feb 2013, 1:36 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 19 Feb 2013, 7:02 PM EST

ATTICA, Ind. (WISH) - A fifth-grade student at Hamilton Heights Elementary School was named student of the week and invited an Indiana National Guard General to lunch with him.

According to a release from the Indiana National Guard, most students invite a parent or grandparent to lunch when they win "student of the week." But Joe Ringer invited Maj. Gen. R Martin Umbarger.

"I was really touched that Joe would think of me," said Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger. "As soon as I saw his letter, I immediately replied that I would love to."

On Feb. 8, Umbarger joined Joe for pizza at Hamilton Heights Elementary. After lunch, Umbarger visited Joe's homeroom. Joe asked Umbarger questions about his uniform and daily routine. Students flocked to Umabarger as he walked through the halls.

Joe's mother was Umbarger's secretary almost ten years ago, when he was the commander of the 76th Separate Infantry Brigade in Indianapolis.

"General Umbarger has always been really nice to me, but I haven't seen him in a long time," said Joe, who hadn't seen his mother's boss in almost seven years. "I feel really honored that he actually responded to my letter and came to see me."

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