Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Samantha Hayes reportingThe wife of a Utah Marine got a surprise she'll never forget! After an eight month separation, the Utah Marine says he's home for good.
Josh Burrup was called up from the Marine Reserves in March for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His platoon helped secure key Iraqi cities, even spending time in the Baath party headquarters.
Every day though, Josh Burrup had only one thing in mind--getting back to the woman he loves. Today he surprised her!
Josh Burrup has had this moment in mind for months. Now, donning his Marine uniform, with a bouqet of white roses in hand, he just wants it to be perfect.
Josh Burrup/ Marine returning home: "(I'm) going to try and pull a little 'Officer and a Gentleman' trick, go in and get my wife so we can go home."
His wife, of course, has no idea he's home, let alone right outside the credit union where she works.
Josh is walking down the hall and then they reunite.
In the presence of teary-eyed co-workers, who knew all along about the surprise, the movie moment is made.
Just a short time ago, Ileana had planned to take a final exam tonight. And if she was lucky, she thought she'd get to talk with her husband over the phone.
Ileana Burrup: "It was like a dream. I was talking to my friend about him. He was in California and I didn't know when he was coming home. It was such a surprise."
Needless to say, the exam has been rescheduled, and for the first time in months they get to go on a real date.
After serving in Iraq, Josh Burrup spent some time in Okinawa, Japan, training foreign military personnel before coming home. His contract with the Marines ends next month, so now he's home for good.
