North Texas Serviceman Surprises Son At School

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THE COLONY (CBSDFW.COM) - A North Texas serviceman pulled off a surprise reunion at his son's school Monday morning.

Two deployments in Iraq, two more in Afghanistan for Senior Petty Officer J.D. Watkins in recent years. But this afternoon he got to surprise his oldest son, Dylan at his school -- Prestwick Stem Academy in The Colony.

Watkins has been away about a year. He arrived into Love Field at 1 o'clock Monday morning, so with Dylan and three other kids already in bed he slept at his parents. CBS 11 News caught up with his family just before noon. As a Navy Seabee, Watkins managed the heavy equipment used to build barracks, roads, bridges... anything the military needed. His four tours in the war theater were hard on family.

"There were times we didn't know where he was, and we didn't hear from him for awhile," said his mother, Donna Watkins adding, "Even though I'm ex-military, I'm a mother. And that part's hard."

But also as lead planner in the reunion, she was excited to think about the surprise for young Dylan. "Just the look on his face, because he's got such cute dimples. I just can't wait to see him."

"Gonna hug him," said dad J.D. Watkins, "hopefully the 'dust' don't get in my eyes (tears)." He added, "You know, coming home to see the family. Words can't describe how great a feeling it is."

The school was eager to assist. It invites military personnel in for events like Veterans Day and was only too happy to help stage this reunion, which went off without a hitch.

"Dad!" said a surprised Dylan. "Hi, Bud. Love you," J.D. said as he embraced his son. "Love you, too." Dylan replied.

I asked, "What did you think when you saw your dad?" Dylan answered, "I was happy," and noted his dad had been gone a long time.

Watkins is on leave for three weeks. I asked Dylan what was the best part of dad being home. "Wrestling with him," came the youngster's response. "What do you think you'll do besides wrestling for three weeks? A: Uh, video games!"

And lots of family together time. Especially some alone time for J.D and his wife who are celebrating their wedding anniversary on Tuesday.

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