Home from his second tour of duty, dad surprises son at LEAD Southeast

A special moment between father and son occurred at LEAD Southeast at lunch Friday when Petty Officer First Class Troy Harlin surprised his son, Jordan, a sixth-grader upon his return home from his second tour overseas.

“Emotional and a little overwhelming,” Petty Officer First Class Harlin said after greeting Jordan during the  LSE sixth-grade lunch.  He’d flown home earlier today from his deployment in Bahrain in the Middle East.

Jordan was mic’d up for the surprise and talking to news crews from Channel 4, Channel 2 and Channel 5. As he fielded questions about what it’s like for a family with a father stationed overseas in the Middle East, Jordan said that missed his dad.

“I missed you, too,” came the reply as his father walked out to greet him. Jordan did a double-take, whispered, “Dad!” and the two hugged.

“This was fun to see them back together,” said Lisa Harlin after the surprise. “It’s heartwarming — that’s the word I would use to sum it up.”

“This was exciting and overwhelming and emotional,” said 11-year-old Jordan, who turns 12 next month.

Thank you to the Harlins for sharing this moment and to our students and staff for their support. To Jordan’s dad, thank you for your service!