When it came time to pin HPD badges onto Marlon and Karla Mena, their father, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Carlos R. Mena, appeared on stage to do the honors.
Sgt. First Class Mena, a combat medic, was granted a special leave from his assignment in Afghanistan for the graduation, and surprised his son and daughter at the ceremony.
Officers Karla and Marlon Mena were two of the 72 men and women who graduated from the academy Thursday night. Their father will be returning to Afghanistan within the week.
