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An early homecoming surprise!

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The Bonner family with Westside Union School District Board President Joan Sodergren and Principal Shelly Dearinger. (Courtesy TOM LLEWELLYN)
The Bonner family with Westside Union School District Board President Joan Sodergren and Principal Shelly Dearinger. (Courtesy TOM LLEWELLYN)

QUARTZ HILL – It was a heartwarming reunion at Gregg Anderson Academy Wednesday afternoon when U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant James Bonner surprised his wife and two sons by arriving home early from his six-month tour in Guantanamo Bay.

The joyous, surprise reunion took place during a Patriotic Assembly that brought the whole school together to sing songs about America and wave self-made paper flags.

It was in the middle of the assembly that Bonner came out, surprising his two sons who are students at Gregg Anderson Academy, and his wife, who was present as a parent volunteer. “I had no idea!” wife Michelle Bonner told reporters.

After a happy embrace, Bonner presented the school with a flag that flew over the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, where Bonner was stationed. The student body also sang America the Beautiful to the smiling airman and his family.

Master Sergeant Bonner presents a flag that flew over the US Base in Guantanamo Bay to Gregg Anderson Academy Principal Shelly Dearinger. (Courtesy TOM LLEWELLYN)
Master Sergeant Bonner presents a flag that flew over the US Base in Guantanamo Bay to Gregg Anderson Academy Principal Shelly Dearinger. (Courtesy TOM LLEWELLYN)
The Bonner family stood together as the entire student body of Gregg Anderson sang America the Beautiful for them. (Courtesy TOM LLEWELLYN)
The Bonner family stood together as the entire student body of Gregg Anderson sang America the Beautiful for them. (Courtesy TOM LLEWELLYN)

 

7 comments for "An early homecoming surprise!"

  2. Thank you for your Service, and protecting your country Gregg,Theres nothing better to see then your your family with a big smile, when you came back home.Everyone
    in thes United States are so proud of you.And in this valley to.

  3. Being a retired Military family ourselves this story give me great pride! Kudos to the Greg Anderson Academy and salute to the Bonner family. A very joyful story!