Iowa National Guard Soldier Surprises Kids After 10-Month Deployment

Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Bruch reunited with his five children at school and daycare.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Bruch, an Iowa Army National Guard soldier, surprised his five children at their school and daycare after returning from a 10-month deployment in Iraq. Bruch was one of 145 soldiers who returned to Des Moines on Wednesday. He first reunited with his wife, Casey, at the Des Moines Airport the day before, and then went to surprise his kids, ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old.

Why it matters

Deployments can be extremely difficult for military families, especially when young children are involved. Bruch's surprise homecoming highlights the joy and relief that comes when a parent is able to return home safely after a long separation.

The details

Bruch went to the classrooms of his four oldest children at Ar-We-Va Community School in Westside, Iowa, surprising the 6-, 7-, 10-, and 11-year-olds. He also went to his 2-year-old daughter's daycare, where she greeted him by yelling 'Daddy' before running into his arms.

  • Bruch returned home on Wednesday, February 16, 2026 after a 10-month deployment in Iraq.
  • Bruch reunited with his wife, Casey, at the Des Moines Airport the day before on Tuesday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Bruch

An Iowa Army National Guard soldier who returned home from a 10-month deployment in Iraq to surprise his five children.

Casey Bruch

The wife of Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Bruch, who was reunited with her husband at the Des Moines Airport the day before he surprised their children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Bruch's surprise homecoming after a lengthy deployment is a heartwarming moment that highlights the sacrifices and joys experienced by military families. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting service members and their loved ones during times of separation and reunion.