WELLS – A child’s eighth birthday is not an event typically considered worthy of television news coverage.
Unless, of course, you are Wells Elementary School student Heath McHugh, and your gift is a surprise visit with an active-duty military father you’ve not seen for one year.
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Heath’s dad, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer (CW3) Donald McHugh, of Wells, made a surprise visit to see his son at school Wednesday, the day after Heath’s eighth birthday.
Donald McHugh, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, had been stationed in Hawaii for the past year. He was in town for a few days last week before shipping out for another tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Television cameras were rolling as Heath’s extended family converged upon the school for the father-and-son reunion unfolding there.
Wells High School’s public information officer, Reg Bennett, said Heath’s eyes grew wide with astonishment at seeing his father, standing across from him in the gymnasium.
Donald McHugh quickly crossed the distance between them to embrace his son.
“It was awesome,” he said, of the reunion and the chance to spend a few days in Wells with his family before shipping out to his next military assignment.
Donald McHugh, a Wells High School class of 1997 alumnus, previously served three tours of duty in Afghanistan and three tours in Iraq.
Father and son were interviewed by television Channels 6, 8 and 13 from Portland.
Heath’s mother, Shawna McHugh, great-grandfather Roland Falconer and grandmother Heather Groves also were on hand to witness the reunion.
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