Joe Kusek: Soldier's surprise a special moment at fair rodeo

[darrels joy]

Joe Kusek: Soldier's surprise a special moment at fair rodeo

By JOE KUSEK
Of The Gazette Staff

Sometimes, we are privileged to witness an event so special, so touching, that it transcends the reason we are there.

Saturday night was one of those moments.

The evening was the second and final performance of the MontanaFair Rodeo at Rimrock Auto Arena. The rodeo, with a strong legacy itself, is one of the more important rodeos for the Northern Rodeo Association. It can be the determining factor whether a cowboy or cowgirl qualifies for the year-end finals.

This night, the rodeo was secondary.

Prior to the start of the event, Victoria Wolff was working with a sound engineer on how to use the microphone.

Wolff, a specialist in the Army, had been home since Wednesday after spending 15 months in Iraq as a computer specialist. Based out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina, the 2003 Billings Senior graduate was to be home for 21 days before returning to her home base.

Everybody in the family, with the exception of one person, knew that Wolff was home. The lone exception was her father, Clarence Wolff, himself retired from the military.

Victoria Wolff was going to step out into the spotlight and sing the national anthem to surprise her father, who would be in attendance.

"It's really hard to surprise my dad," said Wolff. "I know he likes rodeo and I thought this would be the best thing to do."

Everything went as planned.

The flag bearer entered the arena, Wolff stepped into the light and brought the microphone up to begin the "Star Spangled Banner."

But something happened. It was not planned but came directly from her heart.

Tears.

It was tears, not words, that came first.

The words came slowly, each punctuated by a pause as Wolff fought to keep her composure.

Her emotions won.

Wolff might be Army strong, but that night, she was daddy's little girl once again.

Small sobs interrupted each word as Wolff struggled to sing.

Then something magical occurred.

If on cue, the crowd began to applaud Wolff's efforts, then sang the words with her. A chorus of 2,700 strong emerged to accompany her.

They would get through this together.

Men, women, children, of all ages and backgrounds, joined the hometown soldier who was honoring her father.

Both Wolff and her new-found friends struggled to the finish. There was hardly a dry eye in the building.

The rodeo went on with great rides and terrific displays of talent.

But those in attendance will never forget one woman's display of courage and love.

Welcome home, Victoria Wolff.

Contact Joe Kusek at jkusek@billingsgazette.com or 657-1393.
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[DMZ-LT]

My oldest daughter is 33 but she will always be my little girl. Welcome home Victoria and thank you for your service !