In a heartwarming episode of “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” talk show host Ellen Degeneres reunites a military couple who recently tied the knot. Carla and Mike Owens had an emotional farewell when Mike was deployed to Iraq just six days after their wedding. The couple joined Ellen on stage for their first reunion since that emotional goodbye.
Carla shared the challenges faced by Army wives like herself, waiting anxiously for their loved ones to return safely while constantly wondering about their whereabouts and well-being. Sitting on the edge of her seat, Carla expressed her excitement and nerves about the upcoming reunion.
Ellen, known for her warm and engaging personality, was not one to keep her guests waiting. She promptly invited Mike onto the stage, and the audience erupted in applause and music. As Mike emerged, Carla couldn’t contain her joy and rushed into his arms, breaking down in tears of happiness.
The couple exchanged heartfelt words as they embraced. Mike revealed that they had decided to marry before his deployment to make his departure more meaningful, emphasizing that he wanted to serve his family. With no time for a honeymoon, their one-night stay at a hotel served as their post-wedding celebration.
But Ellen had a surprise in store for them. Wind Jammer Barefoot cruises at windjammer.com had graciously sponsored a 5-day, 6-night cruise to any destination of their choice. This gift would give Carla and Mike the opportunity to create lasting memories after enduring the challenges of military life.
Additionally, Ellen presented the couple with a DVD recorder to capture precious moments with their widespread family, including Carla’s sister, Heidi, whom Mike had never met before.
To make the reunion even more special, Ellen had yet another surprise. Carla’s mother, Diane, made a surprise appearance, bringing even more joy to the occasion. With balloons in tow, the couple and their loved ones continued their celebration in the green room.
As the segment came to a close, Ellen expressed her happiness for the couple and thanked them for their service to the country. The audience applauded their love and dedication, appreciating the beautiful reunion they had witnessed.
This episode of “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” which aired on July 2, 2005, will forever be remembered for the incredible reunion and the love shared between Carla and Mike Owens. Their story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and the power of love to overcome the distance and challenges that come with serving one’s country.
Originally aired on February 7, 2005
