SMS student surprised to see brother return from military
Posted on 10/22/2019
Tayber Belk and Austin Martin(SPS) -- A morning assembly isn’t the typical way for the day to begin on what seemed like any other Tuesday at Sapulpa Middle School.

This was no ordinary Tuesday.

Sixth-grader Tayber Belk was asked to help lead this impromptu gathering of students and staff. She made her way to the gymnasium’s center court and flanked by the American and Oklahoma state flags, Tayber led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

It was during that moment of silence that the gym doors opened behind Tayber and in walked her brother, who’s been away serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. She hadn’t seen Lance Corporal Austin Martin in a year, and up to this point, she still didn’t realize he was only feet away. When Assistant Principal Kimberly Leonard told Tayber to look over her shoulder, she and Austin embraced in a long hug befitting their time apart.

“We just wanted to make this a little special for Tayber,” Mrs. Leonard told the crowd.

After a few minutes, the microphone was handed to Austin, a 2018 Sapulpa High School graduate, who thanked the school for the reception.

“I really appreciate all of this,” said Austin. “I was not expecting it.”

You can watch any of the TV stations or newspapers for coverage of the reunion.

Sapulpa Times posted this video of the reunion on its Facebook page and this story with photos on its website.
FOX 23 News posted this video of the reunion on its Facebook page.
News on 6 posted this video of the reunion on its website.
KJRH channel 2 posted this story on its website.
KTUL channel 8 posted these videos on its website.