Morrow, Ohio – A heartfelt reunion took place at a preseason football game held at Little Miami High School recently. Army Staff Sergeant Nick McCluer made a surprise return from his year-long deployment, earlier than expected. His original plans had him returning next week, but he had other ideas. He wanted to give his wife, Christina, a moment she would never forget.
Christina is not just a devoted wife but also the cheerleading coach for both Little Miami High School and Middle School, while managing the daily needs of their two middle school kids, Evelinn and Grayson. The school had chosen to honor her with the Panthers Spirit Award. Unbeknownst to Christina, Nick had slipped back into town to witness the award ceremony live and to surprise her.
As she stood accepting her award, Christina expressed her disbelief, saying, “I’m astounded right now. I had no idea that he was here. I watch these videos online and on TikTok, and I just never thought this was going to happen to me.” The surprise didn’t just catch Christina off guard; their son Grayson shared his shock too. “I was just looking at my mom one second getting the award, then all of a sudden I hear, as we’re walking back, ‘Nick McCluer,’ then I see a man in an army suit walk up to my mom, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God,’” he exclaimed.
Reflecting on the community support, Christina noted, “To live in a community that supports you, wants to be there for you, and helps you through all the hard times that you may go through, it definitely means a lot.” She was grateful for the way the event unfolded and how meaningful Nick’s surprise was for their family.
With Nick back home, the family has plans to enjoy their new boat at Lake Norris over the upcoming Labor Day Weekend, creating more memories together after a long year apart.
