Military Dad Deployed in Middle East Surprises Daughter at College Graduation
Surprises tend to be that much sweeter whenever family gets involved. There’s no shortage of surprise military family reunions and we certainly hope that will never change.
It can happen anywhere. In a restaurant or in your driveway. At home or at school. You never know when that special someone will show up.
One young woman was preparing for her graduation ceremony from the University of North Georgia when an unexpected guest arrived unannounced.
Taylor Kirby’s father, Army Col. Norman “Chip” Kirby Jr., has been deployed with the Army in the Middle East. He’s on active duty, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
But even that couldn’t stop this proud father from watching his daughter celebrate her accomplishment on one of the most important days of her life.
Deployed dad returns home to surprise daughter at graduation https://t.co/vCSL3Z1I0p pic.twitter.com/pOXKRr4Zbr
— 11Alive News (@11AliveNews) December 17, 2018
With the help of Taylor’s mother, Jan, Chip was able to give his daughter the best surprise ever. Taylor had no idea what was happening as she didn’t expect to see her dad until her brother’s graduation in the spring.
Well, spring came early this year! On Dec. 15, 2018, family and friends looked on as Taylor found herself in her dad’s arms once again.
Watch this sweet and heartwarming moment between father and daughter. You might want to keep a tissue or two handy for this one.
“We thank Army Col. Chip Kirby for his service and are glad for this special day to see his daughter Taylor graduate,” the University of North Georgia wrote on Facebook.
11 Alive reported both Jan and Chip are alumni of UNG. The couple graduated in 1993. A former UNG Corps Cadet, Chip noted the reunion with Taylor was “the best experience of my life.”
“This is great,” Jan Kirby told Fox 5 Atlanta. “I really appreciate all the help he received getting here.” I think Taylor feels the same.
According to Fox 5, over 600 students graduated alongside the colonel’s daughter. What a wonderful way to kick off the holidays!
We wish this family so many blessings and know their time together will be precious. No doubt they are already looking forward to this soldier’s next visit in the spring.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
