Jackson Elementary Batavia

Hasan Armstrong got the best Christmas gift a young boy could ever wish for. His Dad. Live and in person.

Hasan's number one wrestling partner, Corp. Haven Armstrong, showed up during the Holiday Happening concert at Jackson Elementary School this morning after being deployed with the Army/National Guard in Kuwait for a year.

Kindergarten teacher Debra Wolff found out about the surprise visit late last night after getting an e-mail from Stephanie Armstrong, Hasan's mother. Wolff says Hasan was a little shy about singing in the concert today since his Mom had to work and his Dad was in the Army in Kuwait. 

Wolff told Hasan not to worry and that she would be there for him. An aunt would also be in the audience. 

After the three Kindergarten classes had finished their perfomance, Mrs. Wolff told Hasan to come off the stage and to the front. "I have a surprise for you." she said. "Your Mom is here!" 

After a big hug from her son, Stephanie Armstrong then gave Hasan the best news of the day. "Guess what, your Dad is here too!" 

When Corp. Haven Armstrong entered the room Hasan took off running, jumping into his Dad's arms. The reunion brought tears to many in the audience. 

Corp. Armstrong says using Skype to keep in touch with his son has been great, but not the same as being there. He says "It's been a long year, and he's so tall and big now. Being here today means everything."

Armstrong will now train in the States and is looking forward to catching up with his family and friends. He still had to make a surprise visit to a daycare center with his 2-year-old son Haven Jr.

"Little boys like mine wait a long time for their dads to come home," Stephanie said. "Regardless of how you feel about what we are doing, the fact remains there are still families out there sacrificing."