Daily Dad News

Iraqi War Dad Surprises Children With School Visit

December 27, 2011

As the holidays fast approach, military dads lucky enough to return to their homes during that special time to be with their families is always a treat. For one Naples, Florida family, they received a holiday surprise they won’t soon forget.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Masshardt walked into his nine-year old daughter’s fourth grade class at Vineyards Elementary in Naples, as his daughter Taelynn and five-year old son Isaiah went to him. The eldest of his children, ten-year old Kylie, had been living with her dad at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.

The youngest of the children have not seen their father since the summer, and with big sister Kylie, the visit marked a reunion of sorts. Taelynn summed up her joy succinctly. “I don't make a Christmas list, but this is something I wanted, to see him," Taelynne said.

A ten-year veteran, Masshardt will be signing his exit papers in February to return home and live a civilian life with wife Melissa and his children. With the Iraq War coming to a bittersweet close, Masshardt has served his duty knowing he’ll never have to leave his family again. “My family has gotten used to goodbyes. It's overwhelming and exciting that his will be one of the last times.”

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