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Gowrie Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Soldier Surprises 11-Year-Old Sister After Overseas Deployment
Spc. Carter Ferry returns home to an emotional reunion with his sister Leela.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:48am
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A soldier's surprise homecoming leads to a joyful, tearful reunion with their younger sibling.Gowrie TodaySpc. Carter Ferry, a 2024 graduate of Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie, Iowa, returned home this week after nearly a year of deployment overseas with the Iowa National Guard's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. Ferry surprised his 11-year-old sister Leela at Southeast Valley Middle School in Burnside, leading to a tearful and joyful reunion between the siblings.
Why it matters
Homecomings for deployed soldiers are always emotional events, especially when family members are reunited after long separations. This story highlights the powerful bond between siblings and the impact that military service can have on families.
The details
Spc. Ferry has been deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve since last May. On Wednesday, he returned home and made a surprise visit to his sister's school, where Leela had no idea he was coming. When she saw her brother walk in, Leela ran to him and the two embraced, overcome with tears, marking the end of months apart.
- Spc. Carter Ferry has been deployed overseas since last May.
- He returned home and surprised his sister on Wednesday.
The players
Spc. Carter Ferry
A 2024 graduate of Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie, Iowa, who has been deployed with the Iowa National Guard's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, to the Middle East since last May.
Leela Ferry
Spc. Carter Ferry's 11-year-old sister, who was surprised by her brother's return home from deployment.
The takeaway
This heartwarming story of a soldier's surprise homecoming and emotional reunion with his younger sister is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices military families make and the joy of being reunited after long deployments.