Since 9/11, more than 2 million service people have been deployed overseas. But the strain of long-distance relationships makes the moment when families are finally reunited that much sweeter. A Memorial Day TV special on Nat Geo channel reveals the emotional back-stories behind the best surprise soldier homecoming videos.
Every day for 8 years, US soldiers were funneled through the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport on their way home for their 2-week leaves. Each soldier was greeted with applause and hearty handshakes from strangers who came to the airport just to show their thanks. Last week, more than a thousand of these greeters delivered a thunderous welcome to the 230 troops aboard the final military charter to use DFW airport, ending the unique Texas "Welcome Home A Hero" program.
Military families at the Red River Army Depot joined together to help the children of Texarkana in a Toys For Tots drive that broke previous annual records. Members loaded Army trucks with 500 bicycles, 1350 toys, 6,200 non-perishable food items and $875 in cash contributions.
This year marked the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a US Navy base, and a day that will live in infamy. It is augustly remembered by Roger Hare as the day his father survived, along with many of his shipmates aboard the badly torpedoed USS West Virginia, because of the quick-thinking actions of a single sailor named Sylvester Puccio. And Hare wants everyone to hear the story.
Hundreds of Japanese-American veterans of World War II were honored Saturday with a parade in Honolulu—nearly 70 years after they volunteered to fight for their country even as the government branded them 'enemy aliens.' About 200 veterans rode in convertibles past a cheering crowd, celebrating the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to the veterans by President Obama last month.
Just two years after losing all four limbs in an explosion in Iraq, Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco was given the keys to a brand new home designed especially with his injuries in mind. The group Building Homes for Heroes built the high-tech home, which is equipped with an elevator, sensors that operate the lighting and front door, and electronic controls that raise and lower the sink, stove, and kitchen shelves.
A Vietnamese family faced certain death trying to escape communist rule in a crowded fishing boat that was taking on water as a storm approached. Thankfully, an American captain aboard the USS Morton knows the importance of making an exception and found them in time to rescue the 52 people on board.
Returning veterans find new life as they transition out of war and into a different kind of service, helping homeowners hit by devastating disasters like the recent tornadoes, first in Alabama and now in Joplin, Missouri.
Prince William has given the families of his Army pals killed in combat prime seats at his wedding. He also invited a Cavalry comrade who suffered terrible burns after he was ambushed in Afghanistan.
The EA-18G "Green Growler" is the first of many that will be taking to the skies using only renewable fuel.
This 98-year-old veteran was surprised to find 24 Navy service volunteers marching in front of his home as a thank you for his service during WWII.
U.S. Veterans and active duty service members working for Starbucks can pass four years of free tuition on to their spouse or one of their kids.
With tears streaming down his cheeks as he graduates from West Point, a young Army officer and Haitian immigrant, has become the face of the American Dream.
A heroic German shepherd charged ISIS fighters in what's believed to be the first time a dog has directly saved British lives in combat in Iraq.
Mario Lopes was pretty happy to be out of Kuwait and back in the US – but he was even happier about being surprised by his father first.
Inspired by a man who traded a red paper clip to get a house using Craig's List, Brendan Haas hatched a scheme to earn a trip to Disney World. But instead of vacationing himself, the Massachusetts boy gave the all-expenses paid trip to the family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan. It only took four months of trading, beginning with Brendan offering his toy soldier on a webpage.
US Marine Matthew Rodgers just wanted to surprise his parents by coming home a little early for Thanksgiving. But a bigger surprise awaited him: His sister threw him a parade. For municipalities, such events can take months to plan. It took the Gaithersburg, MD teenager and her friend fewer than 10 days.
This superhero wife got the surprise of a lifetime when she discovered that the arduous home-moving process was done for her by a television show crew and friends.
This U.S. service member had no idea how she was going to make it from Iraq to Rhode Island – at least until fate stepped in.
This grandma has written thousands of personalized letters to service members deployed overseas – and she doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.
Recent Stories
A Heartfelt Reminder to Appreciate the Ones We Love
Cherish the Woman Who Stands by You
Breaking Generational Cycles of Pain
Living by Your Own Values, Not Others' Approval
When Life Brings Rain, It’s Okay to Rest
Before You Judge Someone's Life, Take a Moment to Walk in Their Shoes.
A Friend Who Spreads Gossip is Not a True Friend at All
The Value of Human Connection Over Digital Convenience
The Quiet Kind of Love
One Day, Your Mom Won’t Call You Anymore
I’ve reached a point in my life...
Happiness is a mindset, a conscious choice we make every day