Frontier Elementary School third grader Mikaela Butler and her classmates in Kimberly Goodman’s class have been studying heroes as part of their reading and writing unit.
On Tuesday, May 27, as Butler was presenting her essay about her hero — her stepfather, United States Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Syed Balkhi — she received an amazing surprise: Balkhi himself was standing behind her. His return comes after being deployed for almost eight months. Frontier first grader Jason Butler and Avery Butler, who is presently in Creative Minds Academy in West Palm Beach, were also present at this emotional homecoming.
“Syed not only serves his country, but is also a terrific stepfather to his three stepchildren,” Christie Brauchle said of Balkhi.
“Syed has served in the Navy for three years and is looking forward to making a career out of it,” father-in-law Michael Brauchle said. “With Syed showing the dedication and commitment he has shown to Christie and the three children, and the U.S. Navy, he is proving himself to be a huge asset to both his country and his family.
Balkhi’s tour of duty included stops in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and Italy. He is currently assigned to the USS Carney as a GSM, which is an engineering mechanic, and has already been honored with numerous awards for his duty.
ABOVE: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Syed Balkhi gathers with his family at the emotional homecoming at Frontier Elementary School.
