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Story and photo by Reg Bennett
WELLS –
Wells Elementary School student Heath McHugh got a very big
surprise at the end of gym class on Wednesday, October 10. His father, US Army
Chief Warrant Officer (CW3) Donald McHugh of Wells made a surprise visit to see
his son at school.
“That’s my Dad,” said a wide-eyed and astonished Heath as he
looked towards the stage of the gymnasium to see his father standing there.
Young McHugh, who turned eight years old on October 9, was resting on the gym
floor with fellow students when the older McHugh was spotted.
As relatives, students, school staff and television news
crews watched, McHugh made his way to the floor to pick up his son for a big
hug. Both have not seen each other for a year.
McHugh is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot and is stationed in
Hawaii.
“It was awesome,” said McHugh about being able to travel to
Wells to see his family and son in school. McHugh indicated that he only has
until Friday for a home visit before making the long trek to Afgananastan.
McHugh said that he has had three tours of duty in Afghanistan and three tours
in Iraq. McHugh graduated from Wells High School in 1997.
“Good” said Heath McHugh when asked about seeing his dad.
Both father and son were interviewed by the three major television stations
from Portland.
Visiting WES with McHugh was Heath’s mother Shawna McHugh,
great grandfather Roland Falconer and grandmother Heather Groves.
