Community Corner
New Lenox Dad Home from Kuwait: Surprises Son at Haines School
Daniel Powers, a 1st-grader at Haines School in New Lenox, got an amazing surprise. His dad, Keith Powers, arrived home from Kuwait today. The National Guardsman has been overseas for 9 months.
A New Lenox National Guardsman returned home from Kuwait today, and surprised his 7-year-old son at a 2:15 p.m. assembly at Haines School.
The May 1 assembly that included a discussion about the sacrifices that men and women in the military make regularly to preserve our nation became real when Keith Powers, of the National Guard's 935th Aviation Support Battalion walked in.
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Still in uniform, Powers was armed with balloons and opened his arms wide. Daniel spotted him, yelled, "Daddy," and rushed in for a hug.
Weighing no more than 45 pounds, Daniel was wearing the khaki military garb that his mom, Angeline Powers, had picked out for the day.
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Keith had been on active duty for the last 11 months and away in Kuwait for the last nine months. His role overseas was as a helicopter mechanic. "I'm glad to be home, to be with my family," he said.
About 45 minutes before the Haines School assembly, the couple stopped over at Liberty Jr. High School to pick up 13-year-old daughter, Katlyn Bodell. The 7th grader knew that her step-father would be home today. The greeting was sweet.
The trio then went over to Haines School.
Angeline said, "I knew about a week ago that he was coming home." At first the family though they'd be reunited on May 10, but then the date was moved up. Angeline decided to keep it as a secret from Daniel.
Speaking of Daniel, she said, "He's been saying all week, 'my daddy's come home.'"
After a hug that brought tears to the eyes of onlookers, Daniel said, "I'm excited. I'm glad he's home."
Sporting a 13-year-old shy demeanor, Bodell said, "Yeah. I'm glad he's home."
As for tonight, the family is celebrating at home. "I'm cooking dinner, tacos." That's his favorite, added Angeline.
Haines School Principal Jackie Miller got wind of the surprise homecoming yesterday. Powers flew into Midway International Airport at 10 a.m. today.
Since the assembly was filled with music and dances, Keith joined in with his son to dance to a lively beat.
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