A local Marine received a joyous homecoming at his 5-year-old son’s elementary school today, where more than 600 students were waiting to welcome him back from Iraq with posters, huge smiles and a chorus of “USA” chants.

Staff Sgt. Jason Loeffler, 26, had been away from his son Cameron since deploying to Iraq in February. Cameron’s teacher at Spring Creek Elementary, Sarah Leeseberg, hearing that Staff Sgt. Loeffler was supposed to be returning during a school day, wanted to help her student — and the rest of the school — provide a proper homecoming.

Though Cameron had a quick reunion with his father this morning before school, the afternoon celebration was a chance for him to say “thank you” in front of all of his fellow students. The entire student body welcomed Staff Sgt. Loeffler in the parking area, while just the kindergartners performed a special song and had cake afterward.

Screams erupted as Staff Sgt. Loeffler descended from a large SUV and his son ran across the parking lot to him. The smiling father immediately scooped up his son.

“This was a big surprise,” he told Cameron.

“And you didn’t even know!” his son exclaimed, obviously proud he had managed to keep the party a secret.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Comments