This browser does not support the Video element.
Surprise military homecoming for Warminster man serving in the Coast Guard
A military homecoming in Warminster as a young man, trying to surprise his family for Christmas, got a surprise of his own.
WARMINSTER, Pa. - A military homecoming in Warminster as a young man, trying to surprise his family for Christmas, got a surprise of his own.
A welcome home banner sits on the lawn of this beautifully decorated home with a picture of 24-year-old Tyler Viola on it in military uniform. It is the backdrop for an emotional arrival.
Tyler arrives with a police escort to a crowd of family and friends, as his mom and dad are holding an American flag.
He is in the Coast Guard and home from a year's deployment in the Middle East and his family went the extra mile and got a camel to greet him. "There’s a camel here?" he laughed, talking to his mom.
The twist to the holiday homecoming is that Tyler had planned to surprise the family by arriving a few days earlier than he told them. But mom Michele found out and turned the tables.
"My intention was to surprise him, his intention was to surprise me, but I got wind of it, so he's in for a big surprise," said his mom, Michele Viola.
Tyler's dad, Paul, is not only grateful to have his son home, he's proud of him. "We really are. It has been rough over there with everything going on in the Middle East. As parents, you know you are so worried," said Paul.
Tyler hugged and greeted his loved ones around a fire pit, as Christmas lights and a little snow made the scene even more magical.
"I'm so grateful for everybody here and very surprised. I was not expecting this," he said. He’s thankful for everyone who had a hand in this even though they foiled his plan.
"I am shocked. There is a camel on my front lawn. I was not expecting that one. That is pretty bizarre. It is good though," said Tyler. His best friend since fourth grade drove him home from the airport.
"He asked me when we came around the corner if I could kill my headlights because he wanted to sneak in out back to scare his parents," said Stewart.
Tyler has been in the Coast Guard for four years. He is home for four weeks before heading to Cape Cod for his next assignment.
"My hope is that he stays close to us," said Cindy Stewart, who is a family friend.