GALION — Private Drake Garrett of the Ohio Army National Guard made it home for Christmas from Fort Lee in Virginia and his two youngest siblings had no idea he was coming.
Drake’s mom, Ruthie Emmer, arranged the surprise of her son’s arrival for her two youngest children, 10-year-old Aiden and 9-year-old Marley Glosser, with the help of the staff at McDonald’s in Galion.
Drake made his way from the office area of the restaurant to the dining room dressed in a McDonald’s apron and hat to surprise the pair of children who thought they simply came for hot fudge sundaes.
The tears were flowing as they jumped up and hugged him.
“I am so happy he is home,” Marley said. “I missed his hugs.”
Aiden said he has missed talking to his 19-year-old brother.
“I miss him being at home,” Aiden said, wiping tears from his cheeks.
Also, part of the surprise was Ruthie’s other son, Austin Garrett; Drake’s girlfriend, Kiersten Erwin; Drake’s grandmother, Sharon Emmer; and Ruthie’s fiancé, Craig Henry. They had gone to McDonald’s under the guise of dessert after supper, hot fudge sundaes.
Ruthie said her other child, Levi Garrett had a previous engagement but is also happy his big brother is home for the holidays.
Drake graduated from basic training in November and within three days began his AIT (Advanced Individual Training).
“I joined the National Guard to better myself, for college and to serve my country,” said Drake, a graduate of Galion High School.
Drake’s sister, Leah (Garrett) Johnston, made the trip with her 2-year-old, Hudson, to pick Drake up at the base at Fort Lee.
“It was a long 18 hours but definitely worth it,” Johnston said. “My brother is my best friend and I couldn’t wait for him to be home for Christmas.”
Ruthie said she wanted the arrival of Drake to be a surprise for the youngest of her six children.
“They miss him so much and suffered a loss recently, so I thought this would be a great experience for them,” Ruthie said.
She said she called two other Galion restaurants to see if they would help her pull off the surprise.
“They were not interested but when I called McDonald’s, the manager was very excited to help us,” Ruthie said.
The evening manager, Dakota Elerick, said that her crew was happy to be a part of the surprise.
“Everyone in the military does so much for all of us so it was a nice opportunity for us to give back to those that serve,” Elerick said. “And we helped put a smile on the faces of his family members and that is a great gift at Christmas time.”
Drake will head back to his base on Jan. 4.