Soldier Surprises Family

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Thursday brought a seemingly normal day at Blue Marlin in Columbia’s Vista and then things changed a bit. “I just love my children, they are my heartbeat,” says SFC Carol Beauford Her family didn’t know at the time that Beauford was back home. “I came in town Monday. I had to hide out for four days to not to see them. I took everything I had not to tell my daughter, I’m here,” says Beauford For the past two years, Beauford has been on assignment in Korea. The only contact she had with her family was through Skype or by telephone. After reaching out for help to surprise her family, Blue Marlin offered to host them for lunch. “To know that there are still businesses out there that will go to the end of the earth to assist you, it’s just awesome,” says Beauford When her family arrived at the restaurant, they were told they would be filming a greeting to send to Beauford. Moments later, Beauford walked in and surprised her family. With tears flowing Beauford saw her grandchildren, one of whom she’d never met, for the first time in two years. “It’s great,” cried Beauford. Beauford has served with the U.S. Army for 22 years. She will now be stationed here in Columbia at Fort Jackson where she will remain until retirement next spring.