Deployed National Guardsman Chats Over Video With Daughter's Class in Minnesota for Veterans Day

A father and Minnesota National Guard soldier deployed in the Middle East surprised his daughter and her elementary school classmates with a video call for Veterans Day on November 11.

Zach Duckworth, who is currently overseas, was invited to surprise his daughter Grace and her kindergarten class on Veterans Day. Video taken by Grace’s mother, Carly Duckworth, shows part of Zach’s call with the kindergarteners on Thursday.

“Keep studying hard, listen to your teacher, listen to your parents, and keep learning as much as you can,” Zach tells the young students.

Carly said Grace’s teacher helped to plan the surprise virtual visit, and that her husband missed their daughter’s first day of school this year, so “it’s fun that he can participate virtually through things like this.”

“So incredibly heartwarming,” Zach wrote on Twitter, posting the video his wife filmed. “And so thankful for our amazing teachers, staff, and schools.” Credit: Carly Duckworth via Storyful