Couldn't Have Been More Perfectly Timed

Article from thestir.cafemom.com 

Staff Sergeant Michael Sweeney's family has been going through a particularly challenging, heart-wrenching time. Sweeney's daughter just gave birth to her first child, but something went wrong and last week the baby had to go back to the hospital. Then, his stepson was in a bad motorcycle accident. Meanwhile, Sgt. Sweeney had been far away for a year serving in Kuwait. In fact, he's been deployed four times since 9/11.

And while the Houston area-based Sweeney family has missed Michael every time he's gone away, this was one week they may have been missing him more than ever. Amazingly, Sgt. Sweeney planned a surprise homecoming that came at exactly the right time.

Check out the local news story on his return home ...



Awww. I love how the reporter called Sgt. Sweeney the glue that holds this family together. It sounds like that's very much the case.

Don't get me wrong. The family seems like they're all a tough bunch who will undoubtedly have what it takes to make it through this difficult time. But having their dad there for them as a shoulder to lean on or extra helping hand will hopefully make everything easier on his wife Julie and their kids. Thank goodness he was able to make it home just when they needed him the most.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/154858/soldiers_heartwrenching_homecoming_couldnt_have

Upon United States Army Sgt. Dustin Dykstra's return stateside after his second tour of Afghanistan, he likely expected to be the one doing all the surprising. After being away for 10 months, the 29-year-old passed through the security gates at Philadelphia International Airport and, upon seeing his girlfriend, Theresa Cristella, dropped onto one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes! But, as it turns out, Sgt. Dykstra was set to get his own surprise ... a HUGE homecoming, arranged by Cristella.

It all began with Dykstra and his family being driven to Cristella’s home by dozens of bikers belonging to patriotic motorcycle groups Warriors’ Watch and A Hero’s Welcome, according to local site PhillyBurbs.com. Police and firefighters blocked off the road where American flag banners and signs were hung. An official from A Hero’s Welcome read a certificate of appreciation to Dykstra, who then posed for pictures with friends, family, and his escorts.

Geeze, and Dykstra probably thought there was no way his fiancee could one-up his surprise for her. Sounds like he was definitely caught off-guard ... and over-the-moon. As he was approached by friends, family, neighbors, and townspeople hoping to shake his hand and thank him, he said:

This is phenomenal. This is amazing. You couldn’t ask for a better welcome home. It left me speechless. It’s something I never thought was going to happen.

Aww! So awesome. No wonder the Sgt. was left speechless ... Nothing like getting engaged and getting welcomed home by your country, community, and loved ones -- all in one day!

Check out this clip of Sgt. Dykstra talking about his reaction to the homecoming ...

http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/154023/soldier_with_a_romantic_surprise

When is the last time you had a good cry? Did you have your dog beside you while you did it? Then grab the tissues, because you're about to get all blubbery when you hear how a soldier was reunited with the puppy he rescued while serving our country in Afghanistan.

Tom Burright saw a lot of homeless, sick, and starving dogs in the streets while he was deployed, and when he spotted a little ball of fur out there, he knew he couldn't leave her to die. He brought Lyla back to the base, and you know what happened next.

She became his best friend and morale booster for the whole bunch of guys.

Not surprising to anyone who has ever owned a dog, really. They aren't called man's best friend for nothing. Dogs give us something people can't; soft ears to dry our tears, and unconditional love no matter HOW hard the day has been.

For men and women in the armed forces, the bond is particularly close. A dog will often serve as their family and best friend both while they're far from home. The bond they form is unbreakable.

As Marine Jay Kopelman explained in his 2008 memoir, From Baghdad With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava:

... I really like what I am -- a Marine. I like being strong. I like being brave. I like going in first. I want to go in first, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let anyone shoot my puppy.

So imagine forming that bond with an animal ... and then having to leave them behind when your deployment is up. It's unthinkable, right?

Tom Burright's little Lyla saved his soul in a warzone, and he wanted to save her, he wanted to bring her home. But he was helpless. He makes a military salary. He didn't have $4,000 to cover the expenses of bringing her home.

I haven't been in war, but I do have a dog, and the only thing I can relate to is the feeling of watching my beloved boxer/hound mix as she ages. She has stood by my side for 10 years, propped me up when I was down. She has saved me, and I am helpless to do much to help her with her cataracts and her arthritis save for take her to the vet and shell out large sums for the best treatment I can. 

So now the part that will make you cry. The Internet stepped up. The Puppy Rescue Mission, a non-profit that works to reunited soldiers and their beloved pups, heard about his plight and got it out to caring people who understand the relationship between man and beast. People gave money. Lyla just today made it to Texas, to the loving arms of her soldier.

She's been saved! Check this little girl out:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/153898/soldier_reunited_with_the_puppy

A special day for 7-year old Madeline Webster. The first grader at Armstrong Elementary in Eastover, N.C. is leading her classmates in singing a patriotic song. Madeline's father, SFC William Webster, is serving overseas in Korea. He wasn't expected home for another 2 months. But he suprises his daughther with an early homecoming today. Watch Madeline's reaction.

These never get old. Somebody should've let the linesman know about the surprise. Watch as he brings another puck to the family. Typical official....tries to ruin everything. 

If you love a good military reunion surprise, have I got an awesome one for you. It happened last month in an unlikely place -- a local Olive Garden restaurant.

There a mother was sitting with what seem to be at least two of her children. She was happy enough just chatting away, talking about Valentine's Day and whatnot. Then a waitress walks up, and her daughter starts hugging her and won't let go. It wasn't because she loved her food so much, but rather because it was her sister, Sergeant Coody, who had been deployed for the past year in Afghanistan. This was the first time she'd seen her family since her return.

Check it out after jump. You won't believe the mother's reaction.



She doesn't even recognize her at first! "Who is that?" she asks.

And can you blame her? If you haven't seen someone in a year, seeing them there all of a sudden in the role of someone who has been bringing you bread sticks and unlimited salad could certainly be a bit jarring. When the recognition does kick in, the mother's joy is overwhelming.

According to a comment from mondicalegaspi1, the user who posted the video on YouTube, both the manger and waitress at Olive Garden were big helps in pulling the whole thing off. So kudos to them too.

While any reunion in which military personnel are reunited with their family is special, I love creative ones like this. Especially when they're filmed and shared online so that we can all enjoy them too.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/152278/solider_poses_as_waitress_for

Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for a Stow soldier killed in Afghanistan on May 2.

The funeral service for Lt. David Rylander, 23, will be held at 11 a.m. at The Chapel in Akron.

After the service, the funeral procession will leave The Chapel to West Market Street and then head west to Rand Avenue. The procession will continue onto the Akron Innerbelt to I-76 west to Route 57 and proceed to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.

Rylander, a 2011 graduate from West Point, was killed while fighting in Logar Province.

Previous Coverage: 

• Stow Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

• Funeral Service Planned for Fallen Stow Soldier