Early homecoming surprises congregation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --       Members of a small church in the Brighton Heights neighborhood, on the north side of Pittsburgh, were pleasantly surprised by the early homecoming of their church's associate pastor from his deployment to Iraq, Dec. 4.
     Capt. Thomas Fodi, 911th Airlift Wing Chaplain, caught the Emmanuel Christian Church congregation completely off-guard during its Sunday service when he showed up unexpectedly, four weeks prior to his slated return.
     "No one, other than Chaplain Davis, my father-in-law, and my wife knew that I would be home so early," said Capt. Fodi.
     Capt. Fodi's wife, Erin, and his father-in-law, Col. Daryl Hartman, 911th Operations Group Commander, secretly arranged the captain's surprise appearance with the church's senior minister, Bob Hartman.
     The congregation, which includes several of the captain's family members, believed the deployed chaplain would be speaking to it via Skype during the service on that first Sunday of December.
     "This is so exciting," said Carol Fodi, the captain's mother, before the service. "He has only Skyped once before. The first time I didn't know he was going to Skype in and I cried."
     As the Skype portion of the service drew near, the whole congregation was focused on the big screen that hung in the front of the church sanctuary.
     Stalled by "technical difficulties" that arose with the Skype connection, the church's senior minister announced they would have to resort to "Plan B." On that cue, Capt. Fodi entered the sanctuary to the unsuspecting congregation.
     The congregation erupted with cheers and applause as its associate pastor walked through the side door. Smiles lined each and every pew.
     "No one knew he was coming," said Erin. "The sound technician didn't even know until two minutes before the service. He had the Skype and the camera all set up and ready to go."
     It was an especially joyous moment for Capt. Fodi's mother and father, Carol and David, as they welcomed their son home for the holidays.
     "I had no idea he was here," said his mother. "What a surprise. Oh my gosh; No words can describe it. It's going to be a good Christmas already!"
     Capt. Fodi said when he found out that he would be returning early, due to the withdrawal of forces from Iraq, he decided he wanted to surprise his congregation.
     "It just felt right," said the captain. "When I had chatted on Skype with them once before, it was really exciting for them."
     A sense of happiness and fulfillment could be felt throughout the room as the chaplain expressed his gratitude to the congregation and preached the sermon. 
     Capt. Fodi said he was extremely thankful for the support of his extended church family and their prayers while he was gone. The congregation supported him with more care packages and cards than he could count, he proclaimed.
     "I am most thankful for the way you guys took care of Erin while I was gone," said Capt. Fodi to the congregation. "It wouldn't have been possible to do that, to be separated for as long as I was without your support. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you have done. It's a testament to you and your love for this community."
     With the conclusion of the service, the captain was met by a long line of churchgoers to welcome him home.