Heartfelt Surprise Reunites Long-Separated Siblings

Temescal Canyon High School senior Alexis Aguirre, 18, got the best surprise a little sister can get: Her two brothers, who serve in the armed forces, both came home today.

Their return was a shocker. Alexis was tending to her class studies today when she got the dreaded “report to the office” tap.

“A handwritten note was brought to the classroom and given to Alexis by her instructor,” explained Mark Dennis, Lake Elsinore Unified School District spokesman. “The note said, ‘report to the office immediately.’”

Not knowing what was up, Alexis did as she was told. Walking through the office door, she first spotted her aunt and uncle. Standing next to the American flag, there they were: her two big brothers, Lance Cpl. Ryan Aguirre, 23, and Airman 1st Class Brandon Aguirre, 22.

“Oh my god,” Alexis said, tears flowing. Her emotion was infectious and the hugs just kept coming.

The tight-knit siblings had not seen each other for months. It has been two years since Alexis last saw Ryan, who is stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Brandon is stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado and has served in Afghanistan. He last saw his little sister seven months ago.

Dennis explained that today’s reunion was pulled together by the siblings’ uncle Thomas Aguirre.

“I have to credit the uncle for a very creative and loving act in organizing this surprise,” Dennis said. 

Thomas was on hand at the high school today. He found out his nephews were planning a visit home and had booked a flight together. Since they were scheduled to arrive during the middle of the school day, Thomas explained that he wanted to surprise his niece at the campus.

“I thought that would be a real nice thing to do for Alexis,” Thomas said. “It warms my heart and makes me feel good to make the rest of my family feel good. Our heroes have gone to war and they’re back. I think it’s awesome. Very, very memorable experience." 

Temescal Canyon High School principal Errol Garnett was also on hand for today’s reunion.

“I think being part of a community where we have quite a few military families, it’s very important to give school support,” Garnett said. “It’s nice to be part of the reunion and do something special.”

Tonight, the three siblings, along with their aunt and uncle, plan to surprise their father at the Aguirre family home in Canyon Lake.

Ryan admitted his time away has been extensive, and he was “a little nervous” today, but said he looks forward to making the most of his three-week visit. 

“I’m going to hang out with family and friends, go to super-cross, the desert, and wake boarding,” he said with a smile.

“It’s just amazing,” Brandon said of today’s reunion. “It’s a real warm feeling to be back home with family.”