Mission Accomplished: Soldier Dad Surprises Kids at School

Chief Warrant Officer David Duran's three children had no idea he was already home from Afghanistan

Hearts swelled especially big this Valentine’s Day at three Los Angeles schools when a soldier dad home from deployment surprised his children in between classes.

It’s been a year since Chief Warrant Officer David Duran, who represents the California Army National Guard, saw his three children. An Army helicopter pilot, Duran has served two decades in the military and was recently on deployment in Afghanistan.

His first stop on his homecoming tour Friday was Nightingale Middle School in Lincoln Heights, where his son David is in eighth grade.

School officials coordinated the surprise, which included leading Duran Jr. away from his class to another part of the school – an unexpected move that had the student a little worried.

"I thought I was in trouble but once I saw him, I felt very happy. It felt good," said the eight-grader, who had no idea his father was in the hallway, let alone in the same state.

Duran also surprised his two other children, Nicole and Luz, at their schools Friday.

Contact Us