Archive for Thursday, May 14, 2009
Soldier’s early return makes kids’ day
Langston Hughes first-grader Jaida Hammond hugs her dad, Eric Hammond, a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army, on Wednesday in Leslie Ross’ classroom at the school. Hammond, who has been serving in Iraq, is home for 15 days of leave and surprised his daughter with a visit to her classroom.
May 14, 2009
Advertisement
Soldier’s early return makes kids’ day
One Langston Hughes Elementary student received a special surprise at school today. Enlarge video
It was Daddy Doughnut Day at Langston Hughes School on Wednesday, and Jaida Hammond thought her father wouldn’t be there.
He was on his way home for leave from Iraq.
Or so she thought.
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eric Hammond surprised his daughter — and members of her first-grade class — just before school let out.
He was met with a hug, a few tears and a leftover doughnut.
“I was glad to be able to include the kids in it because they’ve sent me packages during the time that I’ve been gone,” Hammond said. “To include the kids along with Jaida was a great feeling.”
Hammond, who is on a 15-day leave, is scheduled to conclude his tour in October.
And before those 15 days are up, Jaida has one thing she wants to do with her dad.
“Play tennis with him,” she said.
More like this
- $10,000 'Bobs' Award' goes to first-grade teacher May 21, 2003
- Langston Hughes educator receives annual Bobs' Award May 22, 2003
- A new school of thought August 20, 2000
- Parents pleased with response to crime report 5 comments / September 4, 2008
- FIRST-GRADERS, FIRST LADY SHARE BOOKS October 26, 1989
Top ads RSS
Marketplace
Douglas County Visiting Nurses, Rehabilitation & Hospice Care 785-843-3738
Find more businesses on Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Blog: How Has Obama's Stimulus Helped You? November 21, 2009 · 59 comments
- Quiet revolution taking place in America November 25, 2009 · 118 comments
- Haskell freshman dies in Montana jail November 24, 2009 · 27 comments
- Turbine manufacturer passes on Lawrence site November 24, 2009 · 75 comments
- Stay or leave? It's business as usual for Mangino in wake of probe November 25, 2009 · 39 comments
- Lambert performance causes stir November 25, 2009 · 41 comments
- On the street: Is Thanksgiving your favorite holiday? November 25, 2009 · 44 comments
- Former KU Chancellor Laurence Chalmers dies November 25, 2009 · 12 comments
- Dropping home values may not accurately reflect market November 25, 2009 · 37 comments
- Blog: Tasering Your Preteen: Can You Imagine? November 24, 2009 · 68 comments
- Former KU Chancellor Laurence Chalmers dies November 25, 2009
- Message warns students at Perry-Lecompton not to attend class today April 20, 2007
- Pale veggies pack plenty of nutrition December 17, 2008
- KU says student didn't follow proper lab procedures before exposure to toxic chemical November 25, 2009
- School district may have to tap contingency fund November 24, 2009
- Lawrence likely to land distribution center November 24, 2009
- Research: Giving thanks brings health, happiness November 25, 2009
- Keenly attuned blind couple have different way of ‘looking at’ things October 12, 2009
- Kansas ranks 24th in nation when it comes to health November 24, 2009
- 6News video: SLT opponents gather for forum June 15, 2008
14 May 2009
at 7:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Dazie (Aileen Dingus) says…
AWWW! Now I have to reapply mascara.
Not really- I don't wear makeup, but if I did, I'd certainly need a touchup! Great story. Brought a tear or two to my eyes.
14 May 2009
at 8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
onehotmomma (Anonymous) says…
What a great surprise for Jaida, her classmates, and teachers!! “Happy tears” were probably the accessory of the day at Langston Hughes.
Have fun with your dad Jaida.
14 May 2009
at 8:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Connacht (Anonymous) says…
What a great story. I can't imagine how happy Jaida must be today.
I wish the LJworld would post more uplifting and happy stories like this one.
14 May 2009
at 8:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
urthatguy66044 (Anonymous) says…
Welcome home, and very sneaky :-)
Very good story to read first thing! Thanks ljworld for doing this story.
14 May 2009
at 9:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
supernik (Anonymous) says…
a very very great surprise!!! Eric glad you're back for a little while :* and the tears!!! man oh man cried like a baby!!! love it when they get to come home! and yes thanks ljworld for doing this story!
14 May 2009
at 9:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
doggymom (Anonymous) says…
What a wonderful surprise for Jaida! And thanks to her daddy and all the other men and women in the armed forces for their service, patriotism and sacrifice. It is very much appreciated.
Eric, be safe until you return in October. Prayers for safe return for all service men and women are a constant.