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Military Dad Deployed in Middle East Surprises Daughter at College Graduation

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Surprises tend to be that much sweeter whenever family gets involved. There’s no shortage of surprise military family reunions and we certainly hope that will never change.

It can happen anywhere. In a restaurant or in your driveway. At home or at school. You never know when that special someone will show up.

One young woman was preparing for her graduation ceremony from the University of North Georgia when an unexpected guest arrived unannounced.



Taylor Kirby’s father, Army Col. Norman “Chip” Kirby Jr., has been deployed with the Army in the Middle East. He’s on active duty, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

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But even that couldn’t stop this proud father from watching his daughter celebrate her accomplishment on one of the most important days of her life.

With the help of Taylor’s mother, Jan, Chip was able to give his daughter the best surprise ever. Taylor had no idea what was happening as she didn’t expect to see her dad until her brother’s graduation in the spring.

Well, spring came early this year! On Dec. 15, 2018, family and friends looked on as Taylor found herself in her dad’s arms once again.

Watch this sweet and heartwarming moment between father and daughter. You might want to keep a tissue or two handy for this one.



“We thank Army Col. Chip Kirby for his service and are glad for this special day to see his daughter Taylor graduate,” the University of North Georgia wrote on Facebook.

11 Alive reported both Jan and Chip are alumni of UNG. The couple graduated in 1993. A former UNG Corps Cadet, Chip noted the reunion with Taylor was “the best experience of my life.”

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“This is great,” Jan Kirby told Fox 5 Atlanta. “I really appreciate all the help he received getting here.” I think Taylor feels the same.

According to Fox 5, over 600 students graduated alongside the colonel’s daughter. What a wonderful way to kick off the holidays!

We wish this family so many blessings and know their time together will be precious. No doubt they are already looking forward to this soldier’s next visit in the spring.

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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.
Education
Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith




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