ATHENS, Texas — There are few moments captured on camera that bring out more emotion than a soldier returning from duty to surprise his family. For the family, it is explosion of excitement to see a loved one that has been gone for months. For the viewer, it is a mixture of witnessing raw emotion, along with gratitude for those who answer the call to serve, that moves them.
Miss Lottie Cofer has served the Athens community for many years as an employee of Athens ISD. However, she is not the only one her family living a life of service.
Her son, Tacameo Baker, serves his country as a Staff Sargent in the United States Army.
Staff Sgt. Baker, a 2010 graduate of Athens High School, returned home from a deployment in South Korea and wanted to surprise his mother. He reached out to Athens ISD to organize the surprise.
Miss Lottie came to Central Athens Elementary for an interview at the school, where the district says she is beloved.
Then, her son came out for a tear jerking surprise.
While being "interviewed," Miss Lottie was told to turn around, as her son stood behind her, holding a bouquet of flowers. When she turned around and saw her son's face, she was so surprised she fell out of her chair.
She quickly recovered, picking herself off the floor to embrace her son for the first time in months with tears in her eyes.
A moment of pure joy for a deserving family. Thank you for your service Miss Lottie and Staff Sgt. Baker!