Heather Miles spent most of last year on assignment in Cuba, away from her family.

This week Heather finally returned home to the delight of her daughters, who were completely unaware that the distance between them and their mother would be swiftly removed.

Opting to initially keep her homecoming a secret, Heather arrived at West Kearns Elementary in full military uniform during the middle of the school day. As her daughters worked away on their assignments, Heather quietly stepped into both of their classrooms and waited for them to turn around and notice the familiar face smiling in the back of the room. In both instances, her daughters dropped their pencils and immediately ran into the arms of their mother.

Classmates, although a little confused at first, could not help smiling at the unexpected scene unfolding before them. The family soon began planning activities to help them catch up with one another, including a belated Christmas celebration.

Welcome home, Heather! We thank you for your service.