U.S. Marine surprises mom in Warren

Image 1 of 2

“She doesn’t know I’m coming this time.”

There’s no place like home – where U.S. Marine Sgt. Major Brian Priester finds himself on this day. He walked up to hand deliver a bouquet of flowers to his mother – surprising his family in Warren.

Priester is in the Motor City as part of Marine Week Detroit. Since he only gets home once in a while, it was the perfect opportunity to surprise Earlyn Smith and his stepfather Clarence.

“I told her that God would be blessing her today, that she had a special blessing coming today,” said Clarence.

“I’m just too happy right now, I don’t know what to do,” said Earlyn.

“My heart is just bursting wide open. I’m thrilled to death.”

Priester always tries to surprise his mom when he comes to town, and this looks like another mission accomplished for the Marine.

“She’s an amazing woman. She did such a great job in raising me and helping me be the man that I am. So, if I’m able to come back and see her and add a little excitement and spice by surprising her - it makes her happy, it makes me happy.”

Priester is in town to prepare for Marine Week, coming up September 6th – 10th in Detroit. It’s a chance for the public to interact with those serving our country.

“We’ll be coming out here with about 700 Marines, Sailors and other supporters and enablers in order to make Marine Week Detroit happen,” said Priester. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate Corps, country, and community in Detroit - my hometown.”

So maybe mom will get another surprise in September.