A surprise holiday reunion at Scenic Heights Elementary
- December 16, 2014
- / Staff Reports
- / early-learning
Seven-year-old Penelope and 5-year-old Riley Saxton were together in a classroom when a surprise visitor popped in a side door.
Their "Uncle E," ABHAN Ean Van Gemerden, has been serving on USS George Washington (CVN 73), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, for the past two years and came home for Christmas.
The family members had been in touch via occasional phone calls and Facebook posts, but this was his first chance to see - and hug - his little loved ones in a long time.
Van Gemerden also attended Scenic Heights Elementary School, so having the reunion at the school seemed like a fun idea to his sister, Ayla Van Gemerden. Principal Mary Ellen Wiggins and staff were happy to assist her in the coordination of the surprise.
After the holidays, Airman Van Gemerden will be returning to Japan to crossdeck from the Washington to the USS Ronald Reagan. While Van Gemerden has enjoyed his time in the Navy so far, he said, "When when you travel far from home, you realize what you have been taking for granted and you really wish you were home."
The family members had been in touch via occasional phone calls and Facebook posts, but this was his first chance to see - and hug - his little loved ones in a long time.
Van Gemerden also attended Scenic Heights Elementary School, so having the reunion at the school seemed like a fun idea to his sister, Ayla Van Gemerden. Principal Mary Ellen Wiggins and staff were happy to assist her in the coordination of the surprise.
After the holidays, Airman Van Gemerden will be returning to Japan to crossdeck from the Washington to the USS Ronald Reagan. While Van Gemerden has enjoyed his time in the Navy so far, he said, "When when you travel far from home, you realize what you have been taking for granted and you really wish you were home."
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