National Guard Soldier Just Home From Afghanistan Surprises Wife, Daughter

An Oklahoma soldier home on leave from Afghanistan pulled off a double surprise this week in Okmulgee County.

Major Marc Kutz teamed up with his wife's school in Morris to surprise her and his daughter.

It all started with a surprise on our morning show. Then hours later -- Major Marc Kutz had a surprise of his own. He snuck into a school assembly at Morris Elementary School where his wife Cindy teaches.

"I was nervous. I had the dry-mouth. I could hardly talk. It was just a feeling you can't explain," Major Kutz said.

Cindy was blindfolded. She thought she was demonstrating the senses of sound and touch for the kids. Cindy heard a sound she didn't expect. And was about to touch her husband for the first time in months.

"I did not recognize his voice because I was not expecting it at all," said Cindy Kutz, wife.

And words can't describe what happened next. A moment between a father and his daughter, 11-year-old Marcy.

"I don't get to hug him every day so that was a special hug. I didn't get to hug him every day," Marcy said.

"She's grown four inches since the last time I saw her," Major Kutz said.

Finally, a hug for Larry Bookout -- the Major's high school coach, who now teaches Marcy.

"I've thought of that a hundred times since he's gone the last six months. To really, actually feel it - that was special," said Larry Bookout, Morris School District.

Major Kutz will spend two weeks with his family before heading back to Afghanistan. He's part of the Oklahoma Stability Transition Team that helps Afghanis rebuild their nation.

"I feel honored to be able to represent Oklahoma when I go overseas," Major Kutz said.

Judging by the standing ovation in the school cafeteria. Oklahomans are just as honored to call Major Marc Kutz -- their hero.