TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – What appeared to be a normal start to the school week for third-grader Brylee Garity quickly turned into an emotional reunion when her Aunt Kelsey Smith showed up unexpectedly.
Smith, a Specialist serving in Romania as a member of the Army National Guard, had kept her return to the States from her niece and executed the surprise reunion flawlessly.
More good news:
As soon as Garity saw her aunt walk into her classroom, she leapt from her desk and dashed into Smith’s arms. And this served as a double surprise.
Her uncle, Ben Hartley, was stationed in Romania with his wife, too.
For Smith, a surprise reunion is becoming a family tradition. Her father has served in the military for decades.
“Our dad surprised us as a kid, and I just remember that being such a pivotal moment in my life,” Smith said. “I wanted to be able to give them that same memory. I know it’s been really hard on my niece and nephew, both with us both being gone. It’s hard enough with an aunt, as well as an uncle.”
The two were stationed in Eastern Europe for more than 300 days, their first stint out of the country.
Smith has served for nearly a decade.
WCTV’s Something Good sponsored by First Florida Credit Union.(WCTV/First Florida Credit Union)
After the hugs, Smith and Hartley stuck around to answer questions from Garity’s third-grade classmates.
The two also had plans to surprise Smith’s nephew at Chiles High School later in the day.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.