Soldier-dad surprises kids in time for holidays

Laura M. Levering / Northwest Guardian

For many military Families, celebrating the holidays without a loved one is expected. Such was the case for one Family on Joint Base Lewis-McChord — or so it thought.

Staff Sgt. Jason Miller was assigned to 51st Military Police Company on JBLM before receiving orders to Korea. Currently in the fifth month of his yearlong unaccompanied tour, the most Miller’s wife and five children were planning to get from him this Christmas was face time on Skype and some gifts delivered via postal service. But Miller had other plans.

“I wasn’t planning to come home on leave until March for the kids’ birthdays,” Miller said, “then I decided it was more important to be home for Riley’s surgery.”

At 5 years old, Riley is a thriving, energetic kindergartner who just a few years ago was fighting for her life. The youngest of Jason’s children, she was born with congenital subglottic hemangioma — an abnormal growth in the airway that impaired her ability to breathe.

During her short life, Riley has endured more than 30 surgeries, including a tracheotomy and laryngotracheal reconstruction, been in critical condition and received lifesaving blood transfusions. In September 2010, Riley and her Family embarked on a Hawaii vacation courtesy of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Although Riley’s issues related to congenital subglottic hemangioma have almost diminished and her latest surgery is unrelated, Jason felt obligated to be home in time for his daughter’s surgery Dec. 7.

“I was involved with pretty much every surgery that she’s had, except when I was in Iraq,” Jason said. “So it was important for me to be a part of this surgery even though it’s not as extensive as the ones in her past were.”

The timing could not have been more perfect. On Dec. 6, while Riley and two siblings were at school, Jason made a surprise visit. The school staff was tuned in with Jason’s intent to surprise his children, so they played along. Jason hid in one of the hallway closets so as to stay out of his children’s classroom view, then when prompted he proceeded down the hallway while his children were instructed to do the same.

“They turned around, and I was there,” Jason said. “It was cool.” Riley’s account of the moment was full of excitement.

“My mommy said, ‘Remember that I told you that you get an early Christmas present,’ and then daddy came out and we all ran to him and gave him a big hug,” Riley recalled.

Jason fulfilled his wish of being home for Riley’s surgery and the rest of the Family’s wish of being together for Christmas.

“It’s nice having him home,” Leah said.

Jason said a lot has changed since he left for Korea. Two Family members (cats) were added, his oldest daughter started college and got her driving license, Riley started kindergarten, his son began taking piano and karate lessons, and Qwest Field was renamed CenturyLink — significant for anyone as enthusiastic about football as Jason.

“Oh, and I got two dents in my car,” he laughed, referring to a minor incident his daughter had.

With Riley’s surgery a success and Leah’s short break school, the Millers are spending as much time together as possible before he heads back to Korea. A relaxing Christmas around the tree are on the agenda along with visits to his son’s piano lessons and the University of Washington where Leah is studying to be a nurse.

“It’s about those little things I didn’t have the opportunity to do and see that I finally get the chance to witness happening,” Jason said.

“We’re taking things less for granted,” Leah said. “It’s good to have him home.”