Soldier Returns from Afganistan, Surprises Son at Churchville-Chili school

When SPC Robert Thompson, Jr. left for his first two tours overseas, his sons were too young to understand. But before Thompson, Jr. was deployed for a third time early last year, there were tears. They knew, Thompson, Jr. said. The pain they felt went into me. Thompson, Jr., Chinook helicopter door gunner out of Fort Drum, spent nine months in Afghanistan, much of that time in the sky. Wednesday, he showed up to his son's Churchville-Chili school, Fairbanks Road Elementary, unbeknownst to his boys. I feel horrible leaving them like I did. It's not just me, it's them that make the sacrifice - I just really wanted to make them feel better about it and hopefully this does that, he said before he entered the classroom. Upon seeing his dad, Robert Thompson III leapt into his dad's arms. I love you, he whispered into his dad's ear. Minutes later, Thompson's younger son, Riley, entered and sprinted towards his dad."This is the best day of my life!"the boy exclaimed. Thompson, Jr. says he will spend some time stationed in Europe soon, but adds this past deployment in Afghanistan will likely be his last.