US Army's Thomas Phares surprises family with return

Sarah Phares expected to spend the holiday season without her husband, Thomas, who has been stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas while serving with the 1st Infantry Division as an air traffic controller.
But on Saturday - during the second period of the St. Louis Blues' game against the Montreal Canadiens - Thomas surprised his family during Boeing's USO Service Member of the Game segment.
The emotional moment was captured on video at Enterprise Center.

Sarah is eight months pregnant with the couple's third child, which is expected to arrive on Jan. 3. Thomas was originally not supposed to return home until March 24, 2022.
Thomas joined the US Army in September 2007 and has served three combat tours and two tours overseas.
"I never have to worry about the most important things in my life while I am gone because I have the best wife and partner in this crazy, chaotic life we have in the military," Thomas told stlouisblues.com. "In 14 years, we have moved to 10 different homes and it all would not be possible without the amazing women I have had standing by my side.
"Thank you to the Blues for this opportunity," he added. "I am overjoyed that I will be there for the birth of my little boy and that I was able to surprise my family (at a Blues game)."

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