U.S. Army Reserve Specialist Justin May surprised his family last week with his early return from Afghanistan by dressing as his brother Ryan's high school's mascot, a polar bear, and revealing himself at a football game.
His dad, Ronnie, is also an assistant coach on the Bracken County (Ky.) football team, the Ledger-Independent reports:
The faux fur covered mascot costume was warm on the warm evening but afforded May stealth mobility.
"It is like being-in-the-dessert hot in here," he said, speaking through the mask.
Following the coin toss, won by Bracken County, music began to play as the announcer asked the crowd to recognize the military service of Spec. Justin May. The crowd roared in applause, as May, in his military uniform removed the costume head and revealed he was the person in the mascot costume.
But, Ronnie and Ryan May, focused on the game, were heading for the locker room with Justin trying to catch up.
The announcement caught Ronnie May first, turning to see the son he thought was in Texas, and running back to embrace him.
"He talked to me yesterday and said he was in Texas, but he was here. I am so proud of him," Ronnie May said.