Watch Dad Salute Son at Graduation — From Secret Afghanistan Army Camp

Story by Ken Stone and video by Chris Stone

Nick Noble was only one of 500 graduating seniors at Rancho Bernardo High School’s commencement June 13.  But he may have stood out as the most surprised—and gratified.

During remarks by Principal Dave LeMaster, the Viejas Arena screen at San Diego State lit up with a 30-second video featuring Army Staff Sgt. Nicodino “Dino” Noble—Nick’s dad.

He and others spoke from a secret locale in Afghanistan.

The elder Noble had left for deployment only a few months earlier and couldn’t attend Nick’s graduation. But Army officers are nothing if not resourceful. So a video was shot of him congratulating his son.

Erica Noble, Nick’s sister, brought the video to Ross Kallen, the school’s digital media teacher, who told Terri Rogelstad, the director of student activities, who in turn ran it by new Principal LeMaster.

“He incorporated it into his speech,” Rogelstad said,  “and Ross and I worked with Viejas Arena and Erica …  to pull it off.”

In the video, Dino Noble is the short solider—third from the right who talks first and last. Others from left to right are Spec. Angillie, Specialist Robinson; Staff Sgt. Apsay, Sgt. Interdonato and Spec. Williams.

“The unit name is SDDC, stationed in Camp Leatherneck … in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Erica Noble.