EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

Dad home from Afghanistan surprises 6-year-old son at East Rockaway School

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    Lt. Brian Elliott surprised his 6-year-old son, Justin, a first-grader at Rhame Avenue Elementary in East Rockaway, by returning home early for Thanksgiving after having served in Afghanistan for the last 8 months.
    Elliott said that he planned to spend Thanksgiving with his family, including his wife, Kimberly, Justin, and their two younger sons Jack, 4, and Jonathan, 2.  “I just can’t wait to play with them!” he said.
    Justin, who did not expect to see his dad, was very surprised when he spotted him. “It was a big surprise,” he said. “I’m very happy.”
    “Even at my age, I can’t imagine being away from my dad for 8 months,” said Rhame Avenue Principal Erik Walter, who led Justin by the hand to see his dad. “Justin is a very strong boy, and I know that he will grow up to be incredibly proud of his father’s service to our country. I am excited that the Elliot family will be home together for the holidays. It is well deserved and long overdue.”
    “We were so pleased  to share in this memorable moment with the Elliott family,” said Superintendent Lisa Ruiz. “We are grateful for Lieutenant Elliott’s service to our country, and for his safe return to his family. It was a moving experience for our students. There was not a dry eye in the room!”
See the video at www.liherald.com/eastrockaway.