ST. LOUIS – It’s been a while since Navy Petty Officer Alycia Pouch saw her father, Parkway North High School Principal David Jones.
Pouch was expected to come back home in April but arranged a surprise visit to her dad at the high school.
“I’m happy to make him uncomfortable in front of all these cameras,” Pouch said.
The Parkway School District joined in on the surprise, asking FOX 2 to cover the emotional moment.
Jones was under the impression that camera crews were covering a different story.
“I always see this on TV and everything, and it happened to me,” Jones said. “I didn’t know what was going on… so a very good surprise. (I’m) very excited about it.”
Pouch has been with the Navy for eight years, serving in several major stations, including in Japan. Her most recent station is in Jacksonville.
Jones’ other daughter, Shiloh, was also present for the moment of celebration.
While being a military dad has its benefits, there are also some disadvantages, according to Jones.
“I worry about her all the time; she’s been overseas since October,” he said. “We talk, we text every day… I’m very proud of her.”
It was a moment that won’t be forgotten.
“I’m excited to spend a few days with him,” Pouch said. “I have a really busy schedule, so I’m just glad I could come up here for five days and see him and my sister.”
