Proud Parents Get a Surprise Visit From Their Soldier Son After Over a Year Apart

The parents of a soldier got the best surprise ever when their military son made an appearance at a card-signing event in Fairfax, VA. The parents hadn’t seen him for a year and a half. They thought he wouldn’t be coming yet, but their holidays just got a whole lot brighter.

Parents of Soldier Get Surprise of a Lifetime

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PFC Patrick Konczal was able to return home from South Korea just in time for the holidays with some help from the American Red Cross. Every year, the American Red Cross selects one family to have their troop home for Christmas, and this year it was Patrick’s.

“When you see your son, and you haven’t seen him for a year and a half, and you’re so proud of him for what he’s doing and the commitment he’s made,” said Patrick’s father, Mike Konczal, who teared up. “I watched the Army-Navy game the other day, and I kept thinking about him the whole time.”

Patrick’s parents were at an annual card signing for military members when Patrick walked in. 

“Come here, please,” Patrick said as he walked to his mom with open arms. 

Gone for a Year and A Half, Now Home at Last

“I just, I couldn’t believe it. It’s such a surprise, when you’re not expecting it, and all of a sudden,” said Mike.

Last year was the first Christmas that they ever spent apart. 

The homecoming was even more special because the family recently learned that Patrick’s mom has cancer. 

“It’s hard to keep it together,” Patrick said. “Obviously, your mother worries about you the most. Having to hear from her all the time that she misses me and finally being able to see her again; it means everything.”

Chris Duffley, Director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services for the American Red Cross, said, “During a time like this, when the family is undergoing additional stress and then being separated for the holidays, it’s really extra special that he can be here and be with them during this time.” 

Grateful for the Red Cross’s Generosity

“We’ll try to pay the Red Cross back as much as we can for this wonderful surprise,” Mike Konczal said.

“Obviously, it gets harder the longer you’re overseas,” Patrick said. “And there are some heroes overseas who have been out there longer than I have. So it’s equally hard on everybody… When you finally get back home and see them, it’s just pure elation.”

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It’s a tremendous blessing that Patrick got to spend the holidays at home with his family. I pray that everyone who is missing a loved one in service overseas has hope of being reunited soon.

WATCH: Proud Parents Get a Surprise Visit From Their Soldier Son After Over a Year Apart

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h/t: DC News Now

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.