After three years apart, Endeavor flight attendant reunites with son serving in military

Walking quickly in her black heels, wearing her flight attendant uniform and a big grin on her face, Claudia Kiser was just moments away from seeing her son for the first time in three years.

Claudia’s son, Brandon, is currently a Staff Sergeant for the US Air Force Thunderbirds, and he and his squad travel and perform throughout the United States. He told his family that the Thunderbirds were coming to Atlanta, but he didn’t know if he would be performing at the show until last minute.

Claudia had just ended a trip in Atlanta and was escorted over to the Endeavor hangar right before Brandon arrived. When the moment had come, the Endeavor flight attendant turned the corner and caught a glimpse of her son. As he looked up from what he was doing, excitement overtook his face as he saw his mom.

“It was all a surprise for Brandon, which made it even more special,” Claudia said. “Both of us just stood there and stared at each other because we couldn’t believe this moment was really happening. It was very emotional.”

Before Brandon’s time with the Thunderbirds, he was based in Massawa, Japan, for five years. Due to visitor limitations and Claudia being unable to fly due to an injury, their time apart made the reunion even sweeter. Both in their working uniforms, they embraced as mother and son.

“I felt like I was in a dream and it didn’t feel real; when we finally hugged each other, all my emotions came flooding out,” said Claudia. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at or what you’re doing, especially in the military, you can’t take life for granted.”

Claudia and her son were able to spend a little time together but had to postpone a reunion dinner due to Brandon working the night shift. Several days later, Claudia and her family were able to see a show in Peachtree City and host a family gathering before her next trip.

“It gives you a big of sense of pride knowing that these young men and women are out there performing maneuvers for people to enjoy, especially the children,” Claudia said. “You miss them every day and you hope that everything is going okay. My heart swells up with love and pride thinking about it.”

Growing up in a military family, Claudia is well versed in how much sacrifice and dedication it takes to serve your country. Claudia’s father was a Full Bird Colonel and was the Base Commander of the Maxwell Air Force Base, after serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Her father was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington last year, and Brandon was given the flag at the ceremony.

Claudia makes sure to bid for certain trips, or she calls them her ‘military flights.’ She says these are when Endeavor flies near military bases, such as to Birmingham, Ala., or Columbus, Miss.

“I feel like I’m paying back respect for how Delta treated my family when my father and I would travel; they always treat military families with great care,” Claudia said. “These young fellas that come on our flights, I know what they’re going through – they could be transferring to a new base or going to their first duty base. I enjoy finding out more about them and try to make them feel a little bit at ease about the journey that they’re fixing to go on.”

Claudia still gets teary-eyed after thinking about her son and their special reunion.

“I want to thank my manager, Lisa, for helping make this reunion possible,” Claudia said. “She went above and beyond on her night off and escorted me through the hangar and made sure to get video and photos. Bless her heart.”

Claudia and her family hope to take a trip out to see one of the Thunderbirds shows after the New Year for their new season.