The Indiana County Fair is about making memories that last a lifetime. But Friday night, one family got the surprise of a lifetime.
The family of Army Specialist Ashley Rothbarth were honored by the Indiana County Fair by representing military families during the National Anthem before last night’s tractor pulls. Last night, the family was very happily surprised as Rothbarth appeared with them on the stage for a reunion as she is now home.
Specialist Rothbarth was away from her family for eight months serving our country in Kuait and Iraq. She said that she got the notice that she was going home within a week, but had about 24 hours to pull the surprise off. Rothbarth got in touch with one of her friends who works for Rusted Lace Photography, a vendor at the fair, and they were able to put together a surprise welcome home in 24 hours. After the national anthem played, Chris Nehrig of the fair interviewed the family, and when he asked Rothbarth’s 10-year-old daughter Gracie what she would say if she saw her mother, she replied “I love you.” It was at that point that Rothbarth came on the stage and reunited with her family, with Gracie giving her a big hug and getting the opportunity to say those words.
You can see the moment and an interview with the family on our Facebook page.
