Tarkington sailor surprises children for Christmas

ByVanesa Brashier, The Cleveland Advocate
Monday, December 21, 2015
Petty Officer Second Class Ryan Dodd embraces his children, Willow and Liam, after a surprise reunion on Friday
Petty Officer Second Class Ryan Dodd embraces his children, Willow and Liam, after a surprise reunion on Friday
KTRK-KTRK

CLEVELAND, TX -- Two Tarkington children received their best Christmas gift this year a little early - their father, who returned from a seven-month stint with the U.S. Navy.

Petty Officer Second Class Ryan Dodd and wife, Brittany, arranged to surprise their daughter, Willow, 2, and son, Liam, 19 months, with Ryan popping out of a wrapped Christmas box in the family's living room.

"It was my idea," Brittany said. "My parents helped put everything together."

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