Medway Marine Surprises Family After Tour In Afghanistan
MEDWAY (CBS) -- U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Benjamin Bauman is on cloud nine.
The 21-year-old Medway resident has been gone for two years, but now he's home for Christmas to surprise his family.
"It means everything to me. I miss my family so much and it's amazing to be home," he said.
His mother and father had no idea their son was coming home.
"I have not hugged him for two years since he got home from Afghanistan," Nancy Bauman said. The emotional homecoming almost didn't happened.
Bauman was flown in from California thanks to a generous gift from Erin Vasselian, who runs a nonprofit named after her late husband Sgt. Daniel Vasselian. Daniel was killed in Afghanistan in 2013. This week marks their six-year wedding anniversary.
"When I saw there was marine who wanted to come home, but couldn't afford it I knew this was the point of our foundation," she said. "We want to help (the) military be with their families."
Vasselain was contacted by Lauren Eliopoulos, who runs Hero Helpers of America. Lauren helped set all of the commercial and private flights, as well as the big surprise.
"It's what Christmas is about for me. The day my brother joined the military, my life changed," Eliopoulos said.
Bauman was overcome with thankfulness.
"It means so much that people care about veterans. That means a lot to us," Bauman said.
And like any good son, Bauman didn't come home empty-handed. He came baring gifts, including his new wife, Hailey, and their soon-to-be baby boy due in February.
"The fact that he is able to be home...What more can you ask for?" Peter Bauman said.
