LUCIUS D. CLAY KASERNE, WIESBADEN, Germany –Col. Andre’ L. Wiley, an operations director assigned to 335th Signal Command, surprised his daughter during her 16th birthday by showing up at the Wiesbaden high school Dec. 19 here during his rest and relaxation from a one-year deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I made a promise to my daughters that I would be their first date when they turned 16,” said Col. Wiley, who was assigned as the chief of staff of 5th Signal Command prior to his deployment. “My youngest daughter turned 16 yesterday. So we got a limousine, and we surprised her because she believed I was still deployed, which I’ve been for the past 6 months,” he said.
Her brother 1st. Lt. Andre L. Wiley II also flew into Frankfurt in the last 24 hours for the surprise visit. “She wasn’t expecting her brother, and we’ll have the entire family together for the holidays,” said Wiley.
The day before her birthday surprise Wiley was located in a local hotel and had to pretend he was still in Afghanistan to ensure a successful surprise.
“Part of our nightly ritual is to FaceTime each other. Being here for Christmas was her first happy birthday wish because she thought I still wouldn’t be able to be here today, “said Wiley.
Wiley’s daughter said, “I was on FaceTime with him just this morning, and I thought he was coming in April or May. I thought the limousine was just my mom and my friends, and when I saw my dad I thought ‘Who dressed up like him?’ This is the best birthday present ever.”
Wiley said with tears in his eyes, “It’s been six months, so the reunion part was very emotional, and the reality that she’s now 16 and growing up to be a beautiful young lady is great.”
Wiley’s daughter not only received a great birthday present, but she will also get to enjoy the holidays with her entire family this year.