On this Memorial Day weekend, one local military family got quite the surprise.
The Folds of Honor Foundation gave a Navy lieutenant commander's four children money for school.
The checks were delivered by none other than the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales.
>> Read more trending stories
A crowd in the distance gave way to the Stephens' quiet house in the forefront.
Everyone was waiting for the "click-clack" of an American symbol.
The eight Budweiser Clydesdales were in perfect unison.
"To hear them coming down the street and then to see them I was in awe," Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Stephens said.
"I kind of felt a little bit famous getting them to come down just for us," Stephens' daughter Tiffany added.
Stephens sacrificed not only his time, but his health for our country.
He served three tours in Iraq and was injured in 2010.
"It means a lot as a military wife to see my husband honored this way," Stephens' wife Jenn said.
What better way to honor a hero than to take care of his kids?
Maj. Dan Rooney with the Folds of Honor organization handed over the checks.
They will provide $5,000 per child per year to attend Rejoice Christian School.
Tiffany Stephens enjoys Rejoice, a small, private school in the area.
"[We] get to learn more and have more opportunities," she told FOX23.
After the presentation, there was a special ride for Stephens and his wife.
"It was definitely life-changing … a memory I will always have," Stephens said.
It was well-deserved ride most never get to take.
"I turned into a little kid. I admit it," Stephens added.
On top of the educational opportunities for his four kids.
"I think it's really good for the kids to know that everything their dad did is paying off for them personally," Stephens' wife said.
About the Author
