Airman returns home, surprises mother

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - It was an emotional homecoming for a local man who has been serving overseas, and for his mom it was quite the surprise.

Todd Scarbrough, 25, a Senior Airman with the U.S. Air Force, hasn't been home in a year.

He originally wasn't supposed to be here until later next month. But when he learned he'd be leaving Afghanistan early, he knew just what to do.

“I wanted to surprise my mom,” he said.

It would involve the Noblesville restaurant where he knew she and her friends would be.

With the help of relatives, Friday night, he surprised his mom -- who had no idea.

"He's just very special. He's a good boy. Always has been. Very determined. A loving person all the way around. I just think he's wonderful,” said a teary-eyed Diana Smith.

"The most nervous part was not knowing where she was going to be sitting, honestly!" laughed Scarbrough, who grew up in Delphi.

Scarbrough will be home for two weeks, then it's back to Germany where he's stationed.