Soldier surprises his kids, returns home

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - It was an unexpected homecoming as Tech Sgt. Jeffery Cole surprised his three children Wednesday night, October 17, at Chill Yogurt Café in Mobile.

Tech Sgt. Cole has been in Afghanistan for more than four months and said he wanted to surprise his children, ages 7, 9, and 12, after his flight home was delayed eight times prior.

“It's crazy. I've missed them tremendously,” he said. “Four months being gone, it's a long time to be away from the kids.”

With help from his wife, the F-15 fighter mechanic planned the surprise.

Just after 6 p.m., Tech Sgt. Cole walked out of the back room of the Yogurt Café where his children were eating with a family friend.

The three jumped up and screamed when they saw their father in full uniform.

While his two girls cried happy tears, his son Logan talked about all the activities he’s got planned for the two.

“Play X-Box with him, go on a roller coaster, get me some new Adidas,” said Logan.

The soldier said he has a month off before he must return to active duty. Tech Sgt. Cole, however, said he has no scheduled deployments at this time.