Fort Bragg soldier has surprise reunion with wife and kids during State of the Union
A Fort Bragg soldier surprised his wife and two young children Tuesday night by appearing in the audience of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Amy Williams was sitting next to first lady Melania Trump with 6-year-old Elliana and 3-year-old Rowan when the president recognized her. Trump said Williams works full-time and volunteers to help other military families.
“Amy, your family’s sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and in peace. And we want to thank you,” Trump said near the end of his speech. “Thank you, Amy.”
Her husband, Army Sgt. 1st Class Townsend Williams, has been deployed for the last seven months, Trump said —his fourth deployment to the Middle East.
The audience gave her and the children a standing ovation.
“But Amy, there is one more thing. Tonight, we have a very special surprise,” Trump said. “I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back from deployment. He is here tonight and we couldn’t keep him waiting any longer.”
Amy Williams put her hand over her mouth. Sgt. 1st Class Williams came down the steps and hugged and kissed his daughter. He then picked up his son and hugged his wife.
Members of Congress and others in the audience chanted: “USA, USA, USA.”
“Welcome home, Sgt. Williams,” Trump said.
The introduction of the Williams family came near the end of the address after Trump discussed Iran and Afghanistan.
It was one of several unexpected moments during the speech, which lasted nearly 90 minutes. Trump awarded conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh a Presidential Medal of Freedom during the speech. The first lady placed the medal on Limbaugh while in the gallery.
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This story was originally published February 4, 2020 at 10:46 PM.
