CINCINNATI — It was a day Keegan Branam, a new sixth grade graduate, will never forget. His mom, Sgt. Katrina Marquardt, surprised him after she was deployed for eight months in Afghanistan.
What You Need To Know
- Keegan Branam thought his sixth grade graduation would be nothing special
- Little did he know, his mom, who was deployed for eight months with the Air Force in Afghanistan, was about to surprise him
- Sgt. Katrina Marquardt said it was tough being away that long and keep the secret, but she said it was well worth his reaction
- The mother and son duo plan to spend the next few weeks spending lots of time together and going on vacation during summer break
Branam thought his sixth grade graduation would be nothing special.
“I expected to graduate and then just go home,” he said.
But he wished his mom was waving at him from the stands.
“I was really sad because I was missing my mom,” Branam said. “Just missed her a lot and it was hard. It was really hard.”
But the ceremony took the best of twists.
“I had in my mind, wait a second,” he said. “Is something going to happen?”
His mom, Air Force Sgt. Katrina Marquardt, surprised him, running across the football field where the ceremony was taking place.
“I was really happy to see her so I started running,” Branam said.
It was a tearful embrace well worth the wait.
“I was nervous coming out because of everybody but it worked,” Marquardt said. “I didn’t know what he would think. But then I saw him run, so I ran.”
Marquardt was deployed in Afghanistan for eight months. She said it was difficult keeping the secret from her only child.
“He had no clue!” she said. “And we surprised him, and he didn’t think I was coming home until June!”
It was well worth the trouble for the surprise.
“I love this kid with all my heart. He’s my only one, and I missed him a ton,” she said. “So I love being home.”
With Memorial Day approaching, Branam said he’s proud of his mom and her service.
“I’m really proud of my mom for helping this country and protecting it,” he said. “I’m very proud.”
But is glad to have her home once again.
“It’s really nice to have my mom back,” he said.
