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Watervliet City School District

2557 10th Avenue,  Watervliet, NY 12189  (518) 629-3400   Theresa O'Brien, Principal

Happy reunion for WES family!

January 13, 2009

Second grader Alexis Miller knew her dad was coming home from Iraq for a 15-day visit this week. But she thought he had missed his bus in Baghdad and wasn't coming in until tomorrow.

So she had a big surprise in store when her dad, Specialist Kenneth Miller, was the surprise guest at what she thought was just a run-of-the-mill grade level meeting with Assistant Principal Roberts.

"Hi Daddy!" she said with a wave, after a moment of shocked silence. Alexis hadn't seen her dad in about four months, and she certainly hadn't expected him to show up at her school. "I kind of froze," she said. There wasn't a dry eye in the room as father and daughter shared a long hug.

Specialist Miller is a member of the National Guard and serves with the Black Hawk Unit out of Albany. He is home for 15 days and then will be returning to Iraq for another 3-4 months. This was Specialist Miller's first trip overseas, and he said it was very difficult being away from his family.

"It doesn't matter how far away from them you are, they are always in your heart - but boy is it tough when you can't see and hug them every day," he told reporters from Capital News 9 and Channel 13 who were on hand to film the happy reunion.

After the happy reunion at WES, Specialist Miller was looking forward to seeing his 16-month old daughter, Maddison, who was at home with relatives. Maddison has learned to walk since he last saw her, a feat he's looking forward to seeing for himself.

"She knows my voice, but we'll see how she reacts to seeing me in person - maybe she'll run away, now that she can," he joked.

He was also looking forward to some relaxing down time with his family, and his wife's chicken parmigiana.

"We're so blessed to have him home," said Crystal Miller, Alexis' mom. "We've been so thankful that he is safe and we're just so happy to have him here."

Capital News 9 Story

Channel 13 Story

Alexis Miller, in white, looks on as Mr. Roberts talks to the class about their special guest.

Specialist Miller, walks out and sees Alexis for the first time!

Father and daughter share a hug.

Looks like no one can stop smiling!

Alexis and her dad talk to the TV reporters

The happy family gets ready to head out for their next reunion!

 
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