Local Girls Get Early Christmas Surprise
Local Girls Get Early Christmas Surprise Save Email Print
Posted: 9:39 PM Dec 13, 2007
 Last Updated: 2:41 PM Dec 17, 2007
24 comments
A | A | A

Two students at North Todd Elementary received a big Christmas present a little early .

And it was an experience they'll never forget.

Mariah and Destiny Wilder weren't sure what they were about to open in front of the entire school early Dec. 13.

Their dad, Sergeant Matthew Wilder, was recently deployed to Iraq.

He sent a letter to the school saying how sorry he was that he had to miss their birthdays.

But to make up for it, the letter said he had sent them a present to open.

Mariah's mom says all Mariah wanted for Christmas was her daddy in a box.

So when Desiray Wilder found out her husband was coming home on Dec. 12, she decided to make Mariah's dream come true.

The school helped arrange the surprise.

Sergeant Wilder will be home for the holidays before heading to aviation school.
More Stories
Warren County Justice Center Evacuated for a Short Time

Vacation Goers Enjoy Holiday at the Lake

Business Slightly Slow at the Lake

Bicyclists Celebrate with Patriotic Parade

 Celebrating the True Meaning of July 4

Barren River Lake Fireworks Show Back on Track

Putting Fireworks Display Together Is Hard Work

Church Members Sell Fireworks For Good Cause
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Mark & Phyllia Clark Location: Brownstown, Mi on Dec 25, 2007 at 07:40 PM
We're Matthew's Uncle and aunt, and we are so thankful that Matthew came home safely after serving his fourth tour in Iraq. We're also thankful to WBKO for allowing everyone to witness this very special event. God truly does answer prayer.
Posted by: Desiray Location: Elkton on Dec 22, 2007 at 12:32 PM
WOW! The surport has been great and my girls love to hear all th comments. Thank everone for leaving the sweet comments. I will being adding them to my girls scrapbooks and giving them more of the moment captured in time. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Posted by: Cindy Location: Oak Grove, KY on Dec 19, 2007 at 02:10 PM
As a friend of the family it was estremely exciting and heart-warming to be able to see this surprise on the website. Destiny and Mariah are extrodianry little girls; a true reflection of both parents. Merry Christmas!!!
Posted by: Barb Location: Michigan on Dec 17, 2007 at 08:50 PM
Welcome home, Sgt. Wilder! God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service to our country, and have a blessed Christmas with your family.
Posted by: steven Location: jackson,tn on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:54 PM
way to go! hope you and your family have a happy hoilday! santa claus is a dream come true after all!
Posted by: Omeca Location: Virginia Beach, Va on Dec 17, 2007 at 12:29 PM
This country is lucky to have MEN like you protecting her. The war is just - and you are noble. Welcome home. Enjoy your family
Posted by: Claude Location: New Waverly on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:57 AM
The original Christmas Story. Thanks Sgt Wilder--God Bless you and the family and we all pray you return safely and with Godspeed.
Posted by: Greg Location: ND on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Welcome home Soldier....and....what a Great surprise for your Girls!! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Mike Location: Rochester, NY on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:33 PM
What a wonderful story! Welcome home, Sgt. Wilder. Thank you so much for your service to our country! We are in your debt, sir. Best wishes to the entire Wilder family. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: coco Location: georgia on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:35 PM
It is wonderful to see these young girls have daddy home; I want to thank him and all of our military for their service. God Bless Them.
Posted by: Tom Location: Los Angeles on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Now that's a great Christmas present! If only every kid who's parent(s) are deployed got the same. Have a good one! -T
Posted by: David Location: Oklahoma on Dec 14, 2007 at 08:04 PM
We have been without electric service for several days because of the ice in Oklahoma. I really needed something to help me remember what this time of year is all about. This video brought back the Christmas spirit and reminded me of all the good things I take for granted. Thank you for your service to our country. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Posted by: John Location: Parma, OH on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:49 PM
That was so cute. That is how a father should be. Alot of fathers should take lessons.
Posted by: Paul David O'Dowd Location: USA on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:39 PM
It certainly is wonderful to see something good reported in the news for a change!!! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Donnita Wilson Location: Sharon Grove on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:36 PM
I want to say that i'm glad he is home for the holidays and he's safe.Merry christmas and happy new year to a special family.
Posted by: Steve Location: Florence on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:17 PM
What a great way to spend the holidays. I found this article on www.worldnetdaily.com and forwarded it to friends@foxnews.com Merry Christmas to the Wilder family.
Posted by: Barbara Location: New Providence PA on Dec 14, 2007 at 05:21 PM
That was a great present. We'd like to see the video and post it on drudge!
Posted by: Jacquelynn Location: Nebraska on Dec 14, 2007 at 04:42 PM
that video made my eyes tear up and my heart cry out! Good job... Please, someone YouTube that, it was great!
Posted by: Lewis and Becky Wilder Location: Miracle KY on Dec 14, 2007 at 04:41 PM
As the parents of Matthew and the grandparents of Destiny and Mariah, we appreciate WBKO and the Todd County school system allowing us this opportunity to witness and share this event long distance. Thank you so very much. It is something we all will remember.
Posted by: Andy Location: Denison, Tx on Dec 14, 2007 at 04:02 PM
That was the most heart-warming news I've seen... to hear those little girls say "Daddy". Wish we had more of this kind of newss.
Posted by: Michael Location: Charleston, SC on Dec 14, 2007 at 01:32 PM
How awesome for these little girls. I couldn't help but cry just a bit over their happiness. My son-in-law was killed in action in Afthanistan on February 19th. He was home in November 06 on leave when their son was born. Little Cooper was three months old when his daddy was killed. I am so happy for these little girls... that their daddy has made them a priority and they are able to spend this time together. God bless our service men and women's families!
Posted by: Lionel Location: Bimble, Ky on Dec 14, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Even though I was unable to be there for the event, it was a blessing to be able to see my brother's homecoming.
Posted by: Leslie Location: Glasgow on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:12 AM
That is the Most sweetest thing I have ever Heard.... Merry Christmas Glad He made it home safe for the hoildays
Posted by: Desiray Location: Elkton KY on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:08 PM
I wanted to thank WKBO for taking the time to document this special event for my family! This will be an unforgettable memory for two wonderful little girls! Thank you again!
Poll Question
Are you planning to watch Michael Jackson's public memorial service?

Yes
No



Suggest An Online Poll