Iowa Soldier Surprises Kids After Returning Home From Deployment

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After nearly a year of deployment in Iraq, Iowa Army National Guard soldier Sergeant 1st Class Nathan Bruch returned home to Arcadia, Iowa and surprised his children by visiting their classrooms. Bruch was one of 145 soldiers who returned to the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard at the Des Moines Airport, where he was first greeted by his wife Casey before seeing his kids, ranging from 2 to 11 years old, the next day.

Why it matters

Homecomings like this are deeply meaningful for military families who have been separated for long periods of time. The emotional reunions highlight the sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones, and the joy of being together again after a deployment.

The details

Sergeant Nathan Bruch made surprise visits to all of his children's classrooms the day after returning home. Heartwarming videos of the reunions have gone viral on social media, capturing the priceless reactions of his kids when they see "Daddy" for the first time in almost a year.

• Sergeant Bruch returned from active duty in Iraq late last week.
• He was first reunited with his wife Casey at the Des Moines Airport.
• The next day, he surprised his children ranging from 2 to 11 years old by visiting their classrooms.