What's in the Box? Dad, Home From Iraq

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 5:30 PM CST

(Newser) – An Army mechanic stationed in Iraq surprised his son by popping out of an oversize present at the boy’s 6th birthday party, the Nevada Appeal reports. Casey Hurles hadn’t seen son Gabriel since June; when he learned his leave would coincide with the birthday, he hatched a plan with the help of family and teachers. Gabriel was overjoyed but knows the reunion will be brief. “He has to work,” the boy said. “He works in the war.”

“Usually when he sees his dad he gets very excited and jumps up and down. I think he was a little shocked with so many people,” Gabriel’s mother said, describing her son’s reaction to the surprise, which occurred at school. “His dad wanted him to have this memory because you never know what tomorrow might hold.”

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On Gabriel Hurles' 6th birthday he received a surprise gift in front of his kindergarten class -- his father home on leave from Iraq. (nevadaappealvideo)

Happy soldiers in Iraq. (AP Photo)

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On Gabriel Hurles 6th birthday he received a surprise gift in front of his kindergarten class -- his father home on leave from Iraq. (nevadaappealvideo)

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