WICHITA, Kansas -- It's the end of an era and the start of another, as a Wichita grandfather returns home from his latest tour of duty and surprises his grandkids at school.
"I've got some leave. I'm gonna burn it up. Then spend some time with 'em and then figure out what I'm gonna do after that," says First Sergeant Bryan White.
It's how he's planning to enjoy his time.
After seven tours of duty, Sergeant White most recently returned home after serving nine months in Iraq.
"Emotional. Very emotional for me."
Home since yesterday, today Sergeant White headed to Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet School.
"We're gonna surprise my two grandkids that I'm back from Kuwait today," said White.
A school assembly celebrates students birthdays and awards while Sergeant White patiently waited.
Then the big reveal.
"Sean and Hannah, could you two come here for a second?
A happy reunion for everyone to celebrate.
"For them to be a part of this, experience something that's bigger than themselves it's what we want our kids to get and hopefully it's part of building a positive school culture too," says assistant principal Justin Moody.
A celebration to end another tour of duty and start a long-awaited retirement.
"I have 31 years in the military and I'm gonna retire. I'm happy. I'm ready. I got my grandkids to entertain me so I wont' miss it so much."
Sergeant White serves with the 368th Finance Battalion out of Wichita.
