Soldier surprises family after yearlong deployment

In a way, it seemed like just a regular concert for the U.S. Army Field Band on Saturday night, but it was different because of the large television cameras scattered through the auditorium at Watertown High School.

The host explained that there were changes in the program and said there would be a special ceremony honoring soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division right before intermission.

Before the intermission, ceremony host Matthew W. Rogers introduced Lauren R. Rivera and her children, Christopher A. and Madison G. Their father and Mrs. Rivera’s husband, Staff Sgt. Robert G. Rivera, has been deployed to Afghanistan for a year. Both children wrote a message to their father to read aloud.

“Half my heart is with him in Afghanistan,” said 9-year-old Madison. When asked how much she missed him, she couldn’t find the words. “It’s hard to explain,” she said. “I love him very much and miss him.”

Son Christopher talked about how proud he was of his father and how much his father was on his mind.

“I think about you every day,” he said. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him.”

Christopher also talked about his mother and sister.

“He doesn’t have to worry because I take care of my mom and sister,” he said.

A line of soldiers walked down the aisle as part of the ceremony.

“There seems to be one missing,” Mr. Rogers said.

That missing soldier was Sgt. Rivera.

Audience cheers filled the large room as Sgt. Rivera walked through the auditorium doors and ran to his family. Madison jumped into his arms and he hugged his entire family as the audience gave them a standing ovation.

It was a surprise homecoming for the Riveras.

Sgt. Rivera had arrived Friday morning after a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan.

The audience applause got louder as Mr. Rogers explained that the homecoming was part of the TLC television show “Coming Home,” which reunites military families after deployments and separations. The family was told it was part of a show focusing on military families; Mr. Rogers is the host of the show.

Then, the host said the show’s final line:

“Welcome home, sir.”

The emotional moment was cut with laughter as the television show needed a retake and Mr. Rogers asked the family to hug again and the audience to continue clapping.

The family hadn’t really stopped hugging. At intermission, the Riveras were taken for several interviews and shots in the school’s hallway.

“On such a patriotic night and at such a patriotic performance, I want to thank our service members on the stage and in the audience,” Mr. Rogers said.

The Army Field Band concert was sponsored by the Watertown Daily Times.