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Laughlin IP surprises daughter at school after returning from deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Buena Vista Elementary School was the site of a touching moment Oct. 3 when a Laughlin instructor pilot surprised his daughter after returning home from a deployment.

Maj. Jonathan Somogyi, 85th Flying Training Squadron, returned to the area after spending the last five months at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. His return was a month ahead of schedule so his daughter, Julianna, was completely surprised and overjoyed when her dad walked into her classroom.

"Her reaction was unbelievable," said Somogyi. "She and I had the same reaction. We couldn't believe it was happening."

Somogyi, a graduate of Laughlin's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program, was surprised himself upon his arrival to the school. The entire kindergarten and first grade class welcomed him, his wife, Robin, and their youngest daughter in front of the school with a warm round of applause. Robin Somogyi said the gesture was just one of countless efforts by the school to ensure her family's well being over the last few months.

"Buena Vista went above and beyond for us while Jonathan was gone," she said. "It was a really hard time for us without him and they have been unbelievably supportive."

Cynthia Salas, Buena Vista principal, said the school is happy to help military families in any way they can.

"We have many military families where at least one parent has been deployed to serve overseas for an extended period of time," said Salas. "I am truly amazed how these parents find the strength to make the best of their situation while staying active in their education. Their courage and strength serves as a daily reminder of our appreciation to all the men and women that have chosen to serve this great country. "

The Somogyis were certainly appreciative of the school's efforts, and especially for allowing them to stage this reunion in the middle of the school day.

"I wanted to surprise my oldest daughter because she and I have such a fantastic bond," said Major Somogyi. "But they took it to the next level and surprised all of us."