Surprise Reunion For Boy And His Military Mom

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A U.S. Air Force doctor saving lives overseas was reunited with her 9-year-old son Tuesday – after they hadn't seen each other since before Thanksgiving.

As CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan reported exclusively, the band played a military march as the kids from Stewart School in Garden City played a military hymn at a ceremony. Still, there was no inkling of who was hiding backstage.

It was none other than Major Ramothea Webster, who had flown home for a surprise reunion with her son, Joshua, after an agonizing seven months.

Major Webster is stationed in the Middle East.

"She surprised me so much, and I was so happy," Joshua said.

"Out in the desert in the battlefield, you're going to be totally calm, you're cool, you're collected. But wow, I'm actually totally, totally flabbergasted how nervous I am."

Major Webster's unexpected celebratory visit comes as her medical training expands.

"I'm actually cross-training into flight medicine to train as a flight doc over in Yokota, Japan," she said.

Webster is a single mother. Joshua is being temporarily raised by relatives, and the school community, during her active duty. She leaves again in a week.

Unfortunately, that means Joshua will have to say goodbye to his mom. He will remain living with his aunt's family and start the school year in September.

But Joshua has also learned that Japan is in his future, too. He will join his mother next Christmas.

"I don't want to say goodbye again," Joshua said tearfully. "I want to stay with her forever."

Major Webster's next tour of duty will last three years. She and Joshua will live together on a base outside Tokyo.

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