November 10, 2026 — It had been a long nine months since U.S. Army soldier Iris Viveros last saw her family. That changed when the former Cobb Schools student returned home just before Veterans Day to surprise her three younger siblings.
The former Osborne High School JROTC student and Cobb Horizon class of 2022 graduate has been away at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, where she's been serving in the U.S. Army.
In the Army, Iris serves as a Bridge Crewmember, helping soldiers safely navigate rough terrain. At times, this entails working with explosives to clear pathways and building bridges.
"I was so heartbroken when she left," said her brother Neymar, who is a 6th grade student at Pearson Middle School.
It's not often that Iris is able to come back home to Cobb County, but while home on leave, she was able to surprise her three siblings right before Veterans Day. In full uniform, she made her way to Osborne High School, Belmont Hills Elementary, and Pearson Middle School to surprise her two brothers and sister at their schools.
"My heart was racing; I didn't know what was going to happen. I knew they missed me, but I just didn't know how they'd react," said Iris.
As she entered the cafeteria, Neymar ran over to his older sister and gave her a big hug while the whole room applauded and welcomed the former Cobb graduate back home and thanked her for her service.
"I haven't seen her in a long time, and I was so excited. I was crying a little bit, but they're happy tears," said the Pearson 6th grader.
Iris said her family has remained extremely close since she enlisted in the Army more than two years ago. She was grateful for the opportunity to reunite with her siblings.
"I didn't know he was going to start crying, but I know he has a soft heart, so it was really nice to see my little brother," said Iris.
This week, Cobb Schools will continue to celebrate the veterans and current service members through recognitions at schools across the district as a way to say thank you and show appreciation for their service.
