‘Congratulations, son — I’m proud of you’
Father in Iraq surprises, touches son by giving Guard oath via video link
Video: Military news |
Arlington Cemetery volunteers plant seeds of respect July 13: Making a Difference; At the Arlington National Cemetery, a small army of dedicated volunteers makes it their mission to look after the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. NBC Pentagon Correspondent Jim Miklaszewski reports. |
![]() |
Breaking news alerts (about 1 per day) |
Find more alerts at alerts.msnbc.com |
Related stories |
Most popular |
| |||||
CHICOPEE, Mass. - Seth Dupont, a 17-year-old high school junior, arrived Thursday at Westover Air Force Base to take the oath of enlistment to the National Guard. But he was not expecting the person who administered it.
Dupont's father, Lt. Col. Daniel Dupont, appeared via video teleconference from his post in Iraq to induct his son.
"Well, stand up, state your name and raise your right hand," the elder Dupont told his boy.
Tears welled up as Seth Dupont repeated the oath; then he told his father he loved him.
"Congratulations, son," his father said. "I'm proud of you, man. I love you, too. You made a good, strong decision."
After he graduates from New Bedford High School, Seth will go to Fort Rucker in Alabama, where he'll receive individual advanced training as an air traffic controller, with plans of one day becoming a helicopter pilot.
He said he knew his father would be observing the ceremony but did not know he'd be giving the oath. "Dad inspired me," he said.
Daniel Dupont, 29-year Guard veteran, is serving in Baghdad as a liaison officer to the multinational corps.
The event included some good-natured ribbing between father and son.
After giving the oath, Daniel Dupont ran his hands through his military-cut cropped hair and joked, "You wish you could look sexy like this." His son replied, "Don't worry, Dad, give me a few months."
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM MILITARY |
| Add Military headlines to your news reader: |
Boost your career with an online Degree. Pick from Leading Colleges!
www.EarnMyDegree.com
Sponsored links
Resource guide



