‘Ultimate surprise’
From left, Rex Boblett, Annaleigh Boblett, Emmalynn Boblett, Ryan Boblett, Veronica Boblett, and Louanna Boblett gathered at a Russell County High School basketball game after a “surprise” package arrived at their home-just in time for Christmas. (Photo provided)
Wilson & Sons, H.O.M.E., partner to bring sailor home for Christmas
By Wade Daffron & Kate Daffron
Times Journal
People receive all kinds of gifts for Christmas.
Clothes, household items, gadgets, etc.
But a Russell County family was blessed with the memory of an ‘ultimate surprise’ they will cherish forever.
In a homecoming like no other, a local business and non-profit organization partnered to bring a sailor home for Christmas.
Ryan Boblett, currently stationed with the U.S. Navy in Guam (nearly 7,700 miles away) has only been able to visit his family once since 2017.
His mother, Veronica, had talked with Helping Our Military’s Enlisted (H.O.M.E.), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping reunite members of the military and their families for the holiday.
H.O.M.E.’s Byron Davis sprang into action.
“Ryan had basically not been home for seven years,” Davis said. “That’s seven years of not seeing his family, not being able to celebrate the holidays together.”
Sizing up the situation, the complexities of travel, logistics, and the time frame involved determined some thinking “outside the box” would be involved.
But actually a box would be involved…
Once Davis put a plan into action, he contacted Wilson & Son’s Building Supply in Russell Springs.
“We had determined we wanted this to be a surprise,” Davis said, “so we went about it under the premise of having a special gift delivered to the Bobletts.”
A large box was constructed, and Wilson & Son’s Brian Loy and Tim George made a special delivery to the Boblett’s Jamestown home.
Inside the box was…Ryan Boblett.
After multiple flights, comparing calendars, sifting through schedules, and dogged determination, he was home at last.
“It was kind of tricky to get everyone together at the same time for his arrival…but it just happened to work out,” Davis said. “And it was absolutely heartwarming.”
Hugs, tears, and smiles abound.
The event was even covered by FOX56 and aired on statewide television.
Davis assessed the situation as one of those rare times when people, places and things come together as they should.
He said was appreciative of the hospitality extended from local people wanting to help do something special.
Tim Wilson, CEO Wilson & Sons Building Supply, acknowledged the importance of those who serve our country and community.
“We were truly honored to play a small role in reuniting the Boblett family with their son for the holidays,” he said. “It’s moments like these that remind us of the sacrifices made by our military families and the importance of coming together as a community to give back.”
Daniel Wilson, one of the namesakes of the long-time local business, said people were eager and honored to be involved in such a worthy project.
“Byron called Tim about a week before the intended date and said he needed a delivery vehicle and a driver to pull off the surprise,” Daniel said. “We had not heard of the organization, but after a little research we were all in.”
As things progressed, excitement started to build-literally and figuratively.
“Byron used our location and a bit of supplies, which we would not let him pay for, to build the crate,” Daniel said.
Daniel praised Davis’s passion for the project.
“You can tell he really cares about these service members and their families,” he said. “What a good cause!”
Davis felt likewise about Wilson & Sons.
“We called them out of the blue…but once we talked, and everyone was on the same page, things really started taking shape,” he said. “They’re just incredible people.”
H.O.M.E began after Davis experienced the challenge of his own son trying to get home for Christmas years ago.
Davis became determined to see what he could do to help others.
Since 2015, through H.O.M.E., 315 military members have been reunited with their families for the holidays.
Anyone interested in helping to make more wishes come true can visit www.operationhome.us/#how-it-works-section.
Ninety-five percent of donations go toward airline tickets and care packages for military members.
Rex Boblett, who serves as the local Navy JROTC Commander, said his family is forever thankful for all involved in the reunion.
“We are so overjoyed to have Ryan home with us this Christmas,” he said. “It has been the first Christmas that Ryan has been home since he joined the Navy in 2021. It is also the first Christmas that we have spent together as a family since 2017, so we can’t begin to express how much this means to us. We are incredibly grateful to Operation H.O.M.E and especially Byron Davis for all that he did to get Ryan home and help him pull off the ultimate surprise.”
Seeing her brother again-especially at the holidays-was a long-time wish for Ryan’s sister, Louanna.
“I would say my number one wish on my Christmas list was to have everyone home for Christmas,” Ryan’s sister, Louanna said. “I’m very thankful that Operation H.O.M.E. made my wish come true this year.”
