Blane Yuhas, an active-duty Army specialist, gave his mom a memorable homecoming surprise. His biggest surprise was when he appeared at Sebrina Hill’s graduation ceremony in West Lafayette, Indiana. After serving overseas, Yuhas took the long trip home. She didn’t want to miss seeing Hill walk across the stage to receive her associate degree in nursing from Purdue Global, the online university affiliated with Purdue University.
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation ceremony was a sunny, joyful occasion, where family and friends came together to congratulate Hill on his accomplishment. Hill, who is an Air Force veteran and now a reserve firefighter, pours her heart and soul into both her military service and her role as a loving mother of three. This graduation was a big accomplishment — both literally and figuratively — in Davis’ educational journey.
Yuhas had not been able to see his mother for about nine months, so the unexpected reunion was even more heartfelt for the pair. Prior to the ceremony, he filmed a video announcing how excited — and a bit nervous! — he was for the upcoming reunion. He stated, “I had to pull some strings to be able to get here. It doesn’t feel real right now. It’s been about nine months since I’ve seen my mom.”
As the time neared, Yuhas felt both excited and worried about what was to come. “I’m shaking, a lot. Yeah, it’s been a long drive. Long drive and long flight,” he admitted just before stepping onto the stage to greet Hill. The emotional influence of their reunion was felt throughout the room. When Hill finally realized that her son had flown in to help celebrate her big day, Hill cried happy tears.
Yuhas had an idea to surprise Hill at the commencement ceremony. He didn’t end there, he amazed the remaining family members that were there. The relatives had tears of happiness as they hugged and danced in jubilation. Their close-knit ties and the devotion of our military servicemen and women was poignantly highlighted in that tender moment.
