U.S. Army Spec. Mitchell Oliver is currently back home in Greenville, spending a 17-day leave that includes the Independence Day weekend thanks to an unexpected assist.

The 20-year-old soldier flew home June 21 to heartwarmingly -- and unsuspectingly for his mother -- see his parents, Deann and Gary Oliver, at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. He arrived with a welcoming reception from Blue Star Mothers of America and Patriot Guard Riders.

Mitchell was flown in through Fly A Soldier Home This Summer, a contest sponsored by Ed Koehn Automotive Group in conjunction with Classic Hits 98.7 WFGR and affiliated stations 97.9 WGRD, Channel 95.7 (WLHT), 100.5 The River (WTRV) and 1410 AM The Touch (WNWZ).

Deann had entered the contest and won, but her son and husband had kept it quiet from her until his unexpected arrival. Mitchell has the use for a 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck during his stay courtesy of Ed Koehn Automotive Group.

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