Tampa Bay Lightning Help Surprise A Military Family With Reunion (Video)

Anyone who has been watching the Tampa Bay Lightning for any period of time knows just how active the Tampa Bay Lightning is in the community.

The Lightning organization has done everything from cleaning up Tampa Bay to visiting children in need of a little extra loving care while in the hospital, but what happened on Thursday night at the Amalie Arena as the Tampa Bay Lightning took on the Detroit Red Wings was truly something to behold.

If you have ever been to a game, then you are all too familiar with the in-arena entertainment that takes place between periods. Usually it is something like the Hat Trick Challenge where one of the younger Lightning fans follows three moving targets in an attempt to find the puck, or watching as some younger hockey players take to the ice in an exhibition game.

This night would bring something much different and something that requires the use of many more tissues.

In arena announcer Greg Wolf, along with Thunderbug and the Bolt Brigade, brought C.J. and Katelyn out on the ice for what was supposed to be the “Impossible Shot” contest.

Wolf tells the children that he has just learned that their father is serving in the military and gives a shout out to all those who are serving right now; particularly those stationed at MacDill Air Force Base just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Amalie Arena.

After that, he explains to them the ridiculous feat in which they are to overcome during the shot contest. Thankfully, he was kidding because we’re not sure that many of the players could accomplish that feat let alone a couple of Lightning fans from the stands.

Wolf called for the lights to be dimmed as he began a three second countdown and what happened next was something completely unexpected and absolutely amazing. He tells everyone to turn around and what should they find but their Father, United States Air Force Master Sergeant Chris McKeen.

McKeen’s daughter Katelyn fell to her knees in excitement. It didn’t take very long before she sprinted across the ice and jumped right into her Father’s waiting arms. Moments later, her brother C.J. would join them in their embrace.

McKeen has served for twenty years in the United States Air Force where he has served many deployments that have kept him away from his family. According to Greg Wolf, McKeen has served five deployments to the Middle East and three from the Pacific; including his current tour in South Korea.

It is incredibly difficult to be away from your family for long periods of time; especially when this means that you have to miss things like Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and many other family events. This is why reunions like this mean so much, and why every moment with their families is a blessing.

Thanks to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 19,204 people had the opportunity to share in the experience with the McKeen family.

We here at Bolts By The Bay would like to welcome home Master Sergeant Chris McKeen and thank him, as well as every other past, present, and future member of our Nation’s military for their service and dedication.

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