RETURN TO SEARCH
ID: TT-6101

After 20 Years, Marine Surprised By Battle Buddies For 40th Birthday

A Marine was left in shock when he opened his front door on his 40th birthday and was surprised by his battle buddies from across the country – some of whom he hadn't seen for around two decades. Shane Highley, from Barboursville, West Virginia, enlisted in the Marines right after 9/11, before heading to Yorktown Naval Weapon Station, Yorktown, Virginia, with 2nd Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company 7th platoon (2nd Fast), in 2002. During that time Shane made bonds with fellow Marines who he says are more like brothers to him than friends. After their service, Shane and his fellow Marines went their separate ways, with his battle buddies across the country in the likes of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York and Texas. But ahead of his 40th, Shane's long-term girlfriend, Sophie Voelkel, wanted to plan something special for the big milestone – during which time she realized he’d never been given a surprise party. Having never met any of Shane's Marine buddies, Sophie thought this would be a perfect opportunity to plan both a surprise and to get the group together again. She reached out to one of Shane's battle buddies, Sergeant Kirby Ziesmer, and asked if he could help coordinate the rest of the unit, to see who might be available. Ahead of the surprise, six Marines had committed, and so on weekend of Shane's birthday, April 7, Sophie informed him he needed to get the house ready, as some people were heading over to help him celebrate. Shane suspected it might be his brothers or nephews, Sophie said – but he had no idea about what was about to happen.
Release Status:
TV & Digital
Advertising
* More Information
Location: Barboursville, West Virginia, USA
  • Date Acquired: 04-22-2024
  • Date Filmed: 04-07-2023
  • Orientation: Vertical
  • Footage Type: Cell Phone
  • Rights :  TV & Digital, Commercial, Publishing
Tags:  marine , marines , battle buddies , birthday , brothers , reunion , reunited , 40th , west virginia

After 20 Years, Marine Surprised By Battle Buddies For 40th Birthday

Follow link below to enquire about a Custom Package
Order
*Sign In Or Sign Up for Instant Access*
Custom Package? Get In Touch

Military Best Friend Hides In Trailer For Birthday Reunion

Veteran Has Pure Reaction To Military Son Surprise Reunion

Four Sisters Reunite For The First Time In 13 Years

Marine Returns From Deployment To Surprise Girlfriend At Dress Fitting

Marine Surprises Mom At Restaurant After Nine Months Away

Mom Screams In Shock As She's Surprised By Marine Daughter After 18 Months

Military Mom Surprised With Marine Son's Hat Before Reunion

Marine Surprises Niece Behind Home Plate At Softball Game

Mom "Emotional Wreck" When Marine Son Returns Home After Eight Months

Marine Son Surprises Dad During Football Tailgate

Marine Surprises Kid Brother

Dad Aged 70 Leaps Fence To Reunite With Military Son

Marine Holds Daughter For First Time After Deployment

Man Surprised By Biological Grandpa He's Never Met On Birthday

Daughter Surprises Biological Dad After More Than 20 Years Apart

Woman Who Had Deadly Illness Surprises Best Friend

Military Daughter Surprises Dad On Birthday By Jumping Out Of Present

Man Surprised By Estranged Son On 90th Birthday

Grandpa Surprised By Best Friend Since 1940s On 90th Birthday

Mom Who Lives Across Border Reunites With Daughter For Birthday

After 18 Years Apart Man Flies To US To Surprise Brother

Adopted Brothers Reunite With Biological Family After 42 Years

Brothers In Nineties Finally Reunited After Year Apart

Soldier Surprises Cousin While He's Fixing Car

Mom Collapses In Shock Seeing Son After Two Years

Military Husband Brings Healthcare Worker Wife Coffee After Deployment

Girl Surprised At New College By Dad

Girl With Cerebral Palsy Reunited With Best Friend

Childhood Best Friends Reunited After Six Months