This browser does not support the Video element.
Illinois Army sergeant surprises his kids at summer camp
It had been 11 months since Army Sergeant Christopher Dewitt had seen his children in-person
MUNDELEIN, Ill. - There was an emotional family reunion Friday for a Wauconda U.S. Army sergeant after he returned home from 11 months overseas.
Sgt. Christopher DeWitt made it a special moment for his two children by dressing up in a lobster costume and surprising them at their summer camp.
"I’m excited. Excited to see them," said Sgt. DeWitt. "I can’t wait. Kind of been waiting for this day for the last 11 months."
After nearly a year away serving as an Army military police officer, DeWitt donned a costume as Leroy the Lobster, ostensibly to talk to Mundelein summer campers, including his eight-year-old daughter Gemma, about safety tips.
When it was Gemma‘s turn to meet LeRoy, he showed her a lucky toy she had given her dad before his deployment, then gave her the surprise of her young life.
"Oh my God!… It’s dad," squealed Gemma.
DeWitt was thrilled.
"It’s amazing. I miss her tremendously. It’s a really good feeling," said DeWitt.
Then, DeWitt put the lobster head back on to surprise his four-year-old son Colton at the camp across the street.
"Oh it went great," said DeWitt. "Like I said it’s amazing being home, seeing these guys. I miss them every single day."
"We’ve got a Daddy bag at home that’s got stuff they’ve been collecting to give to him," said DeWitt’s wife Andi. "So it was a hard secret to keep."
In his civilian life, DeWitt works as a deputy for the Lake County Sheriff's Department.
He’s going to spend some well-deserved time off with his family before going back to work.