National Guardsman who doubles as a school principal surprises students after deployment
When you think your calendar looks busy, spare a thought for Drew Wagner, who combines two very demanding jobs. On any given day, you could find him front and center at Fort Calhoun Elementary School in Nebraska, where he's been the principal for 11 years. Alternatively, you might find him on maneuvers as First Sergeant Drew Wagner of the Iowa Air National Guard.
"It's one of those things that I know when I looked at being in the military and then also having a civilian job, I always wanted to give back to our community, to our country."
His military duties fill much of his spare time. But for more than six months, they became his full-time job when he was sent on deployment to the United Arab Emirates.
"There are unique things that do come up, like the deployment and things like that. But my school district has been very supportive of the military and the sacrifices that service members make when they join the military."
During his deployment Sgt. Wagner was in regular contact with the school via Zoom, letting his beloved students know what he was up to and that he was safe. And when it was eventually time to come home, Principal Wagner decided to spring a surprise, turning up unannounced in the school auditorium.
Watch the video to see Drew Wagner return home to a hero’s welcome.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Beloved principal makes a grand entrance at school after military duty
