RSU Nursing Student Gets Surprise From Deployed Husband

A Rogers State University nursing graduate got a surprise during Thursday's pinning ceremony, according to a news release. A video message from her husband, who is deployed in Afghanistan, was played during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Specialist, Dax Chapman is serving with the 831st Deployment and Distribution Support Battalion stationed at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, the release says. It says he was unable to attend his wife Lauren Chapman's pinning, which serves as a graduation for nursing students.

The release says he reached out to the university to see about broadcasting a video message to be played during the event.

"I want to congratulate my beautiful wife Lauren. I know you have worked so hard for this moment and I wish I could be there to share it with you," Dax Chapman said during the video. "I am so proud of you and I love you and miss you so much. Congratulations, baby."

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Lauren and her fellow graduates had just finished watching the photo montage about family support they received during their nursing studies when the surprise video played, according to the release.

"We don't get to talk often so seeing him on the screen was almost like having him here," Lauren said. "His support means everything to me."

Lauren was one of 93 RSU nursing graduates to be recognized during the pinning ceremony at first Baptist Church in downtown Claremore. Spc. Chapman is also an RSU alumnus, he earned his EMT certification and works for EMSA when not deployed.