Son Surprises Veteran Dad With Battle Buddy He's Not Seen In Eight Years

A military veteran was left stunned on his birthday when he opened his front door to meet his battle buddy he hadn’t seen in eight years. Matt Trout, 49, from McKinney, Texas, became close friends with Von Jennings, 46, when the pair served in the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division together. Having met in Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Matt, Von and their group were asked if anyone wanted to join 82nd Airborne, with only three people raising their hands, they said. Matt and Von were next to each other at the time, and what followed was a strong friendship, with the pair serving in the Middle East in the early 2000s and living together throughout their time in the military. With Matt and Von now back in civilian life, Matt's son, Zach, said all he would hear was "Von this and Von that," so he knew he wanted to reunite the friends once more. Zach, 18, made plans with his mom, contacted Von, bought his tickets, and then collected his father's battle buddy from the airport. Then, on October 10, Von approached the front door and when Matt then opened the door, Von stuck out his hand to give his old pal a handshake, with Matt standing frozen in shock.