WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. -- U.S. Air Force Airman E-2 Joel Jaramillo surprised his sister, Mayah Jaramillo, by attending her eighth grade promotion ceremony at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Friday.
- Joel Jaramillo stationed in Nevada
- Leave originally not approved
- Visit also surprise for Jaramillo's father
“It was worth the wait," Jaramillo said. "I’ve been waiting for awhile for this ever since we planned it, and then I just wanted to see my little sister again."
Students at the Weightman ceremony crossed the stage as their names were called, shaking hands with teachers along the way. When it was Mayah’s turn, Jaramillo wedged himself into that line and shook her hand.
“I’m very proud of you, Mayah,” he said.
That’s when she realized her brother was home.
“Oh, my God,” she said, before hugging her brother.
“He told me that he wasn’t coming and he told me that he got denied,” Mayah said.
That was at least partly true. Jaramillo is stationed in Nevada, and he said his leave request was initially denied. Then, last Friday, he got word that had changed.
He immediately called his mother, Sandra Jaramillo, who said she started making reservations right away.
“We’re a family of four. We’ve always been four, and just three is an odd number,” she said about why it was important that her son come to Mayah’s ceremony.
Joel Jaramillo joined the Air Force in August. Since then, he’s missed out on some events at home.
In particular, Mayah said she missed him on the first day of eighth grade. She said he’d driven her to the first day of school in years past.
“It was really emotional and sad that he wasn’t there for me,” Mayah said.
The visit was also a surprise for Jaramillo’s father, Carlos Jaramillo, who said he wasn’t sure when he’d see his son next.
“He said, ‘I’m going to try to make it for Father’s Day for you.’ So, it’s very emotional,” Carlos Jaramillo said.
The family said their plan this Memorial Day Weekend is to spend as much time together as possible.
“I think it’s amazing what he’s doing, and I’m really proud of him and how far he’s come," Mayah said. "He’s always talked about this, but I never really thought that he would do it. Now, to see him in uniform, I’m really proud of him."
“I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of my daughter. That’s all I can say,” said Carlos.