Navy petty officer surprises kids at school

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — A Douglas County mom dropped by her kids' Douglas County schools on Monday to surprise them after an eight-month deployment.

Channel 2's Linda Stouffer was there as Mary Kindle's kids rushed to greet her.

Kindle first went to Chapel Hill High School to surprise her 15-year-old daughter, Hayley. They both then went to Arbor Station Elementary, where her 8-year-old son, Caleb, is a student.

Kindle, who also has a 3-year-old, was gone for 8 months, mostly in Afghanistan. She has served in the Navy for six years and the reserves for seven more years. Kindle works with Lockheed Martin when she is at home.

"I really wanted her to come back, a bunch," Caleb told Stouffer after a huge hug from his mother.

Halyey, who is a sophomore, said she had no idea the surprise would come on Monday. Kindle wasn't expected home until Thanksgiving but she decided to secretly drive back from Virginia when she returned early.

"It's fabulous. I've missed them so much. It's great to be home," Kindle said.

The family said they usually keep in touch through Facebook or Skype.

WSBTV