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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Soldier Stuns Fam @ Indians’ Game

Sgt. Chris Weichman hugs his twin 4-year-old girls Gracie, left, and Ruby on Monday at Avista Stadium. (Christopher Anderson)
Sgt. Chris Weichman hugs his twin 4-year-old girls Gracie, left, and Ruby on Monday at Avista Stadium. (Christopher Anderson)

The fans at Avista Stadium rise for a standing ovation as Sgt. Chris Weichman embraces his twin 4-year-old girls Gracie, left, and Ruby during a surprise homecoming between innings Monday. His wife Abby stands at left. The homecoming was arranged as a "special prize " for a promotion during the game between the Spokane Indians and Yakima Bears. Weichman is on his third tour of duty in Afganistan. (SR photo: Christopher Anderson) Also: You can see the KHQ video of the reunion here.

Councilman Mike, who was at the game, offers this description: "After the promo the stadium announcer Jamie Patrick called people’s attention to the 3rd base line and there was a serviceman standing there. His daughters ran right across the field and the reality of what was happening dawned on everyone. When people realized this was the reunion, the crowd rose and applauded (many through tears) and the players warming up for the next inning on the field and in the dugouts all stopped what they were doing and gave the family an ovation. It put everything in perspective and was an unexpected blessing to be a part of.

DFO: This wonderful reunion underscores the awful loss to this country and their families of the 30 SEALS in Afghanistan during the last week.



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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