PSES student surprised by father's early homecoming

Philip Simmons Elementary School witnessed a heartwarming reunion that left students and staff smiling and wiping away happy tears. 

Danny South, the father of fourth-grader Millie, returned home early from a six-month deployment at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The Air Force chief master sergeant surprised his family weeks ahead of schedule. 

Millie and her family had been expecting his return a month later, making the early homecoming more emotional. The moment she saw him, Millie ran into her dad’s arms, surrounded by smiles and cheers from classmates and staff. 

“Leaving for an extended period of time isn't easy for anyone. I can't put into words what a gift it is to know Millie was loved, happy, and thriving at PSE every day I was away,” South said. “This Iron Horse family is truly a blessing to us.”