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WCTV’s Something Good sponsored by First Florida Credit Union.(WCTV\/First Florida Credit Union)<\/p>\nTALLAHASSEE, 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
More good news:<\/p>\n
As soon as Garity saw her aunt walk into her classroom, she leapt from her desk and dashed into Smith\u2019s arms. And this served as a double surprise. <\/p>\n
Her uncle, Ben Hartley, was stationed in Romania with his wife, too. <\/p>\n
For Smith, a surprise reunion is becoming a family tradition. Her father has served in the military for decades. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur dad surprised us as a kid, and I just remember that being such a pivotal moment in my life,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI wanted to be able to give them that same memory. I know it\u2019s been really hard on my niece and nephew, both with us both being gone. It\u2019s hard enough with an aunt, as well as an uncle.\u201d <\/p>\n
The two were stationed in Eastern Europe for more than 300 days, their first stint out of the country. <\/p>\n
Smith has served for nearly a decade. <\/p>\n
WCTV’s Something Good sponsored by First Florida Credit Union.(WCTV\/First Florida Credit Union)<\/p>\n
After the hugs, Smith and Hartley stuck around to answer questions from Garity\u2019s third-grade classmates. <\/p>\n
The two also had plans to surprise Smith\u2019s nephew at Chiles High School later in the day. <\/p>\n
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