Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: Brad Rice
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: Feb. 8, 2010 6:18 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 8, 2010 6:29 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Matt Bearden hugs his son, West Virginia Army National Guard Sergeant Nate Rodriguez. They've never met before today.
29 years ago, Bearden and Rodriguez' mom were high school sweethearts living in Oregon.
But she moved to California and learned she was pregnant.
Meanwhile, Bearden joined the Navy. The two lost contact and Bearden never knew he had a child.
Two weeks ago, a mutual friend finally got them back in touch. Bearden learned about his 28-year-old son and decided to come to West Virginia to welcome him home from Iraq.
The soldier's mother says this reunion was long overdue. Joanne Berletich of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania says she is very proud of her son and wanted to share his achievements with his other parent.
So much time has passed. So many memories have been missed. But now, these men have a chance to build new memories as they move forward as father and son.
Game farm bill flaw prompts W.Va. gov veto March 18, 2010 4:44 PM Another technical error has prompted Gov. Joe Manchin to veto a recently passed bill, this one addressing private game farms.
Execution date unclear for inmate March 18, 2010 4:01 PM A Kentucky death row inmate could have an execution date set for next month, but whether he can be put to death remains in question.
Report ends Ohio funding for 3 halfway houses March 18, 2010 4:54 PM Ohio is pulling state funding for three halfway houses that a new report found increased the number of participants entering or re-entering the prison system.
Fugitive Files
Wanted: You Can Help! Distribution of crack cocaine, failure to register as a sex offender, and failure to appear following meth charges
Behind The Kitchen Door
March 18, 2010 Gibson Family Restaurant, Applebee's, Huntington Food Bank are on the list. Find out who has violations and who gets a big thumbs up!
Kennie Bass
