What a proud moment!
He was looking forward to this moment for quite some time. But retired Army Sergeant Major David Teufel was far too sick and in the hospital ICU when his granddaughter walked across the stage and was commissioned in the Navy. So, she came to him!
Grandpa Teufel had made detailed plans to travel from Missouri to Maryland to his granddaughter, 2nd Lt. Taylor Batye’s, graduation at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was going to give the new Marine officer her first salute. (Naval Academy tradition is for each newly appointed Officer to present a Silver Dollar to the first person to give the new officer a salute.)
Knowing he couldn’t make it was very disappointing.
He taught us, “honor, duty and commitment,” Marty said about her dad’s Army career. Then we taught [our kids] that this is our country, and only we can protect it.”
So Taylor pack her bags after graduation and she drove 16 hours to Missouri to share the special moment that she saved just for her Grandpa!
Before the surprise, two of Grandpa’s Army buddies paid him a visit and gave him a nice shave and haircut. They were in on the surprise, and they knew that their buddy wasn’t one for looking shabby not even in a hospital bed.
Finally, Taylor arrived and Grandpa’s three nurses tearfully peaked in at the surprise.
Taylor’s mom, Marty Teufel, snapped a meaningful photo as the newly minted Marine officer got her first salute that she had been waiting for.
Grandpa Teufel loved the photo so much that he requested that it be blown up and framed to keep right next to his bed. His daughter Marty said, “There’s just so much emotion in it. You see the pride, the service and it’s just a very proud moment.”
Grandpa Teufel smiles every time he sees his picture. He is so proud of her, especially since she is the first one in the family to serve as an officer.
Thank you, Grandpa for your service and Congratulations, Taylor for your commissioning and your service to the Navy! May God bless you for your time and service and may God keep a hedge of protection around you and your family.
Deuteronomy 5:16
Credit: Marine Corps Times
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images