An Indian Mills School student was treated to the surprise of a lifetime as a Read Across America assembly last month turned into something beyond literacy.
“You’ve been waiting so patiently for our special Read Across America Assembly, boys and girls. I’m dressed in red, white and blue, and you too,” Principal Nicole Moore said, addressing first grade students on Feb. 26.
“We have some special visitors in the back; I’m sure some of you know them,” she added. “Wave quietly to our visitors, because they’re here to also see our special visitor for Read Across America.”
It was then that SSgt. Eduardo Negron entered from backstage, much to the surprise of his son, Kanoa. His wife, Shawn Gogue-Negron, stood quietly by with children Jacob and Mikayla Kobler.
Eduardo was deployed in Kuwait for six months with the U.S. Air Force, serving as a dock controller. Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, the 37-year-old embraced his son with open arms, fighting tears of joy.
Kanoa latched onto his dad as the reality set in he was home to stay.
“I brought it (this assembly) because Kanoa’s dad has been gone for six months,” Moore explained to the children. “Can you imagine not seeing your dad August, September, October, November, December, January and now it’s February? And he wanted to surprise his son.
“Kanoa, are you surprised? I think so!”
First graders, at the behest of Operation Yellow Ribbon President Dave Silver, chanted “Welcome home” to the soldier and waved posters thanking him for his service.
After the assembly, Eduardo remarked that he was again shocked and surprised to see the people on Indian Mills Road welcoming him home. Operation Yellow Ribbon, Moore and the Indian Mills Home and School Association coordinated the gatherings.
The Negrons (Eduardo, Shawn, stepson Jacob Kobler and stepdaughter Mikayla Kobler) were escorted to the school by the Warriors Watch Riders and state police.
“I’m still trying to … let it sink in that I’m back home,” Eduardo said. “With all of this, I’m just like ‘Whoa.’ But I’m super grateful and thankful for it.”
Shawn presented IMS and Moore with their own gifts after her family received recognition and tokens of appreciation from the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Operation Yellow Ribbon, Shamong Township Committee and the Warriors Watch.
“All of you guys are so kind to Kanoa and welcoming, and on behalf of my husband and family, we want to present a special flag to Ms. Moore and the school with a certificate,” Shawn told the school assembly.
“This was flown in Kuwait on a plane, and this is for you guys.”
A shy Kanoa shared that he was speechless when he saw his dad. During Eduardo’s deployment, the two challenged each other to read as many books as possible to see who could read the most.
Kanoa was the winner.
“I read, I think, like five books,” Kanoa proclaimed. “They were all chapter books. I finished them all in one day. Well, I think I read them all in one day.”
Eduardo admitted to reading two books, noting his son can be a healthy competitor at times. He looks forward to playing, coloring and reading with Kanoa, their favorite activities. But Kanoa has one activity in mind.
“I want to go to Lego Land with him!“
