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Mom's Surprise Return: Military Parent Reunites with Daughter
24 Jun
Summary
- A mother returned from military deployment to surprise her daughter.
- The surprise reunion occurred during the daughter's school ceremony.
- The family is preparing for a move to North Carolina soon.
An emotional surprise unfolded at Cranbury Elementary School's fifth-grade stepping-up ceremony when student Riley Gildae was reunited with her mother, Erica Gildae, who had just returned from a military deployment.
Riley Gildae was asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, unaware that her mother was backstage. The surprise came when Erica walked onto the stage, much to Riley's shock and delight.
Sergeant Erica Gildae had been serving in the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury for eight months. Her husband, Airman Brian Gildae, was also deployed but returned in February. While Brian was away at his airbase, Riley and her sister stayed with their grandparents in Norwalk.
Principal Jennifer Masone noted the strong support from the school community and Riley's grandparents, highlighting the family's sacrifice and the school's role in supporting Riley during her parents' deployments.
With the school year concluded, Riley is now moving on to sixth grade. The reunited Gildae family is preparing for their next chapter, with plans to relocate to North Carolina in two weeks.
