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Published on December 15, 2023

Mother, Daughter Reunite at Bryan Health During Surprise Military Homecoming

mom and daughter hug

Sgt. Kate Cole hugs her mom, Kris Cole, RN 

This morning, a mother and daughter were reunited at Bryan Health in a surprise military homecoming just in time for the holidays.

Sgt. Kate Cole is a combat medical specialist with Charlie Troop 1-134 Cavalry Squadron with the Nebraska National Guard. In her role, she works firsthand with other medics and doctors to treat combat emergencies, stabilize wounded soldiers and prepare them for evacuation.

Sgt. Cole grew up around medicine. Her mother, Kris Cole, is a nurse in the PACU (post anesthesia care unit) at Bryan Health. Kris has been with the organization for over 35 years and works mostly overnight shifts, caring for patients who are recovering after surgery.

In February, Sgt. Cole was voluntarily deployed to the Middle East. For the past 10 months, she’s been overseas serving her country and caring for fellow service members. Her troop was spread out across several countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Their mission was a success.

Last Thursday, Sgt. Cole and 90 of her fellow troops returned home to Nebraska just in time for the holidays. They were greeted at the Lincoln Airport with hugs and tears on a beautiful winter day. Since then, Sgt. Cole has spent time catching up with friends and family in eastern Nebraska. However, there was one very important person she hadn’t seen: her mom, Kris. Until this morning.

To pull off the surprise, Sgt. Cole told her mom that her tour was extended and she wouldn’t be returning home with her fellow troops. However, she surprised Kris early this morning with a visit at the end of her shift at Bryan East Campus. It was the first time they had seen each other in 10 months.

“Nobody said a word to me about any of this. I’m so surprised she is home!” Kris said. “We were just starting to plan our family get together for Christmas. And now Kate will be with us. It’s been a stressful 10 months, but I know her whole unit is well trained and taken care of. I’m just so excited to have her back.”

Sgt. Cole says she is grateful to be home for the holidays - and to finally see her mom.  

“My mom has always been my biggest role model. She taught me how to be a caring and compassionate person and to always serve those around me,” she said. “I’m so thankful and blessed to surprise her and be able to spend Christmas with her everyone here at home.”

Bryan Health thanks Sgt. Cole and all our military personnel for their service to our country, and wishes everyone happy holidays!

 

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