BRIDGEPORT  --  A pilot program in a Harrison County school is helping to make Veterans Day extra special for some of its students.

In Harrison County schools, excess levy funds, recently passed by taxpayers, are going towards 21st century learning.

Johnson Elementary School in Bridgeport is taking advantage of those dollars and is using technology to reconnect families separated by the war.

It has been five long months since the Hutcheson family has seen their father.

"It seemed like I hadn't see him in forever," son and sixth grader Cordell Hutcheson said .

Maj. Lafe Hutcheson is on his first tour of duty in Kabul, Afgahnistan.

"It's been tough. The biggest thing is we've kept busy and try to talk to him as much as possible, he tries to call as often as he can," said wife Lorna Hutcheson.

But talking is not the same as seeing.

"It's one thing to get to see his face -- they've missed that, getting to have their dad with them, getting to see him," said Lorna.

Johnson Elementary has seven students with parents serving overseas, so the school formed a support group called "Hero's Kids" and is using technology to help lessen the distance.

"Our lives are pretty hectic, so it's been pretty difficult at times," son and ninth grader Cody Hutcheson said .

Besides seeing his family, Hutcheson also read a story to his daughter's third grade class and answered a variety of questions.

Until he returns home, Lorna said she is glad to have seen his face and has one wish this Veterans Day.

"To keep all of our troops safe over in Afghanistan and everyone think of them and remember them on Veterans Day, because they truly do make a sacrifice," she said.

Hutcheson will be home for a two-week break in December, making it a nice Christmas for their family.

Teachers at Johnson Elementary School said they will connect another student with her father shortly after Thanksgiving.