LI Soldier Returns From Duty, Surprises Kids At School Field Day

WEST BABYLON, NY — Two West Babylon students recently received a surprise they'll never forget.

Staff Sergeant Nicholas Zito, a member of the Army National Guard who had been deployed in Africa for more than a year, made his two children "speechless" when he unexpectedly attended their Field Day celebrations on Thursday.

Fourth grader Nicholas Zito and third-grader Samantha Zito, students at Forest Avenue Elementary School, had not seen their father since his deployment to Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya.

The surprise also included mom Diana Zito and was also organized by the children's teachers.

"The students were overcome with emotion and couldn’t contain their joy during the reunion," a release said.

Staff Sergeant Zito will now be stationed in Farmingdale for the next year.