A Surprise Visit From Afar: Boy receives unexpected though welcomed visit from dad, who is on 2-week leave from Iraq

Credit: Journal Photo by Bruce Chapman

U.S. Army Pfc. Frank Marques greets his stepson, Matthew Armstrong, during opening ceremonies for the Walkertown Little League.

By: Tim Clodfelter | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: April 05, 2009

WALKERTOWN -- Young Matthew Armstrong knew that Saturday would be a big day, since it was the first day of the season for his Little League team.

But Matthew, 8, of Walkertown, didn't know how big the day would be until an announcer called him up to the microphone during the opening ceremony. She asked him where his dad, Frank Marques, was.

"In Iraq," he replied shyly.

And what message would he like to send to Marques?

"That I love him," Matthew said.

The youngster then got his chance to deliver that message in person.

Frank Marques, back home on a two-week leave from his tour of duty with the Army, emerged downfield and walked from first base toward home plate, where Matthew was standing.

Matthew ran out and jumped into Marques' arms, hugging him tight. And the crowd of hundreds applauded.

"He thinks his dad's a hero," said Whitney Marques, Matthew's mother. "He puts him above Spider-Man or the Hulk."

Frank Marques is Matthew's stepfather, and the two have shared a tight bond for five years now, she said. They share a love of video games, comic books and baseball. They watch Marques' favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, which led to Matthew to decide to play baseball.

"We started when he was 6, playing in the backyard," Marques said.

Marques, 29, went to Iraq about eight months ago. He is a private first class in the 38th Cavalry out of Fort Hood, Texas, but said he could not discuss his work in Iraq.

Marques said he planned to spend his leave enjoying time with his family.

"I want you to play (the video game) Over the Hedge," Matthew said excitedly.

The surprise had been a week in the planning.

A small group including Matthew's grandparents, his coach, and the league president were in on it.

"I told him something good was going to happen today," his grandfather, Mike Sellars, said.

Matthew said he didn't suspect anything, but his mother said that he did question about why news crews were hanging around.

He was told that they were there to document the opening day of the Little League season.

Matthew said he loved the surprise.

"I'm happy. I'm really, really happy."

■ Tim Clodfelter can be reached at 727-7371 or at tclodfelter@wsjournal.com.