Navy Dad surprises son at Snow Hill Elementary

Ooltewah, TN (WDEF) – "Heroism and bravery are very honorable traits to have," said 5th grader Sofiia Skrypkar.

Hundreds of Snow Hill students packed the auditorium Thursday afternoon to honor their heroes.
 
"Our heroes work for us. They do all this work to save us," said fifth grader Mason Arnold.
 
Many of these same heroes are also family members to many of the students at Snow Hill. Chairs in the front of the room were filled by fathers, mothers, and grandparents all related to Snow Hill students with one empty seat that belonged to Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy LeMay….
 
"I have been stationed in Washington for the past 2 years while my wife and son stayed here in Chattanooga," said Petty Officer LeMay.
 
The Petty Officer has not been home in over 4 months, and while he is a hero to many, he is a father to one little boy who missed him. While other students were giving medals to their family members, he sat with his head down not knowing that his father had returned home to surprise him.
 
Once Brayden finally releases his father from his embrace, all he wants to do is one thing.
 
"I just missed him. I’m going to play checkers with my dad."