November 11 — For most students at Cobb Schools, Veterans Day is a time to sing patriotic songs, thank those who serve, and learn about the meaning of honoring sacrifice. But for one Cobb family, this year’s celebration became a life-changing moment they’ll never forget.
 |  |
When 10-year-old Amare, a fourth grader at Kemp Elementary School, joined his classmates on stage for their Veterans Day program, he thought he was honoring heroes like his father from afar. His dad, Master Sgt. Osei Gore, had been serving overseas with the U.S. Air Force since April, and Amare believed it would be at least two more weeks before he came home.
As Kemp’s students proudly sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless America,” Amare watched the crowd of parents and veterans, quietly wishing his dad could be there too. Then came a surprise video message from Iraq, a special greeting from his father, who told the students how proud he was of them and how much he missed his son.
But just as the video ended, Kemp Elementary Principal Dr. Billy Pritz announced the arrival of a special guest. Standing there in uniform was Master Sgt. Gore.
“I thought they were joking that he was here,” Amare said afterward, still in disbelief. “But when I saw him, I was very happy.”
The moment Amare spotted his father, he ran straight into his arms. Both father and son were overcome with emotion as the crowd erupted in applause. “I was like, ‘Okay, maybe he’s going to run over, give me a big hug,’” said the Cobb military dad. “But when I saw him crying, it made me cry even more. I was standing there thinking, ‘I’m not going to cry,’ but when I heard them introduce me, I started tearing up.”
The reunion was the result of weeks of planning. While stationed in Iraq, Master Sgt. Gore coordinated the surprise with Kemp Elementary’s staff, who were eager to help bring the family back together in such a meaningful way. “I’ve been scheming in Iraq,” Master Sgt. Gore said with a laugh.
After the ceremony, father and son walked the halls of Kemp Elementary together, hand in hand.
“Being able to walk with my son next to me, I kept looking down and smiling, like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m really back and able to hold him and see him again,’” said Master Sgt. Gore.
   |    |
But the surprises weren’t over yet. Master Sgt. Gore left Kemp Elementary and headed straight to Lost Mountain Middle School, where his older son, Jayden, was in class. Jayden, a seventh grader and member of the school band, had no idea what was about to happen.
“I was happy and surprised,” Jayden said. “I couldn’t really describe it that much because I didn’t know what to feel first.”
When his dad appeared, the two embraced tightly, another powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and the deep joy of reunion.
Master Sgt. Gore, who has served in the Air Force for 11 years and plans to complete a whole 20-year career, said coming home to his wife and children was the best gift he could have asked for.
“Being able to have these two by my side now, I feel complete,” he said.
His return also gave him a new appreciation for the community that surrounded his family while he was away.
“Every year, these schools make Veterans Day such a special experience,” shared the Kemp military dad. “The students, the staff — everyone makes us feel seen and appreciated. It means a lot.”
When asked what he was most looking forward to now that he’s home, Master Sgt. Gore smiled.
“I just want to hang out with my boys,” he said. “Play Xbox, go out to eat, maybe head to Big Air — just spend time together again.”
For families across Cobb County, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on service, sacrifice, and the gratitude that comes with it. For the Gore family, it was also a celebration of love and reunion, as well as a reminder of the powerful community that supports them.
As Master Sgt. Gore put it, “Veterans Day to me is about honoring not only those who are serving, but also those who have served, and those who have passed away during their service. We want to appreciate the sacrifice they’ve given to our country and to their families, too.”
From all of us at the Cobb County School District, thank you, Veterans, for your service and sacrifice for our freedom!
