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By Renee Ittner-McManus

Catawba Trail Elementary second-grader Zoe Thompson got more than she bargained for when she lined up with classmates Friday for a field day race. At the end of the lane lay more than bragging rights for the teams winner: her dad, Capt. Joseph Thompson, fresh off the plane from a 12-month tour of Afghanistan, was there to surprise her.

Second-grader Zoe Thompson is surprised by the return of her father, Capt. Joseph Thompson, from his 12-months of service in Afghanistan. (Photo by Renee Ittner-McManus/RIM Photography. Click on photos to enlarge.)

Had the clock been running, her bolt to jump into the arms of her father may have set a school record. I didnt even know he was a coming! exclaimed Zoe. He came out of nowhere!

That nowhere was Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan where Thompson served as a logistician with the Armys 831st Surface Deployment Distribution Command. Hes now happy to report he has a much closer duty station: right here at Ft. Jackson. I gave 12 months to my country and now Im going to give back to my daughter, he said.

Thats a good thing since the list of activities Zoe has planned for the father/daughter reunion may take more than his 30 days of leave. It starts with dinner out at Buffalo Wild Wings, then golf, bowling, skating lessons and any place with a pool or water, as they head into a week of spring break.

The two stayed in touch while he was overseas via video calls and phone calls at least once a week. School staff has been especially accommodating, he said, using technology in the classroom so he could keep updated with his daughters school projects. Its like a family here: very, very supportive, Thompson

Pictured with the Thompsons are Catawba Trail Principal Denise Barth. (Photo by Renee Ittner-McManus/RIM Photography)

said.

Catawba Trail Elementary principal Denise Barth agrees the schools ties with the military are strong. The school not only boasts a club specifically for its many military dependents, a partnership with Ft. Jacksons 260th battalion brings about 20 soldiers a month on campus to mentor the students during its lunch and learn program. The students, in return, help with cards and care packages for deployed soldiers overseas for the holidays.

Fittingly, today, soldiers were on hand running the schools third annual Operation Field Day which made the reunion especially powerful, said Barth.

Thompson couldnt agree more. There are always tears, tears of joy, he said. I was surprised I was still standingmy knees felt weak. My daughter brings out my soft side.

Zoe summed it up best, Its not a good day, its the best day!

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From Afghanistan to Catawba Trail Elementary, Zoe Thompson reunites with her dad - ColaDaily.com