December 11, 2009 by Katie Preuss •

It was just by chance that Catherine Brown, Senior Trainer for Interaction Programs, was at the front of the park when she came across a family with two very disappointed boys. The Herndon family was at the reservation center trying to purchase an interaction program package when they were told that it wasn’t possible because their children were too young. After Catherine saw how upset the boys were, she came up with a solution all her own. “Would you like to meet my friend Elrod?” she asked the family of four.

Elrod is a 500-pound sea lion who stars in the park’s comical Clyde and Seamore show.

After spending some time at Sea Lion Stadium, Catherine took them for a private behind-the-scenes tour of Beluga Stadium to meet some of our beluga whales.

I asked Catherine if this was something they do often, just picking a family on a whim. She pointed at Joe Miller, Associate Supervisor for Interaction Programs, and said “He’s the one who taught me to do it. The first time I saw him reach out to a couple of guests he made me cry. It’s something simple for us to do just to brighten up a guest’s day. Anybody would have done it for this sweet family, Joe and I just happened to be the lucky people to do it.”

It wasn’t far into the tour when Joe and Catherine discovered that the father, Archie Herndon, was soon to be deployed to Iraq to serve in the United States Army. This family’s trip to SeaWorld was a final outing before he left that turned into an experience they would never forget.

For Joe and Catherine, just being able to help create this memorable moment was enough of a thank you, but Archie wanted to extend a more meaningful thanks. Not too long after they visited the park, Joe and Catherine each received a package in the mail containing a United States flag with a certificate of authenticity stating:

“This flag was officially flown in support of American Forces by 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3d Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Mosul, Iraq at 1702 hours on the 24th day of September 2009.”

This gesture was one that Catherine and Joe will never forget.

“It’s just a huge honor that he gave us these flags.” said Joe Miller.

Editor’s Note: This post is a part of our Christmas Miracles series where we highlight how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. Be a part of the movement. Download a Miracle Card and pay it forward. If you have an extraordinary story, contact us and we may feature you on the blog. Make a difference this season!

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3. Guests Feed the Birds at SeaWorld San Antonio
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Posted in Christmas Miracles