Autism Light #363 is Richard Lussier.
Special Veterans Day Recognition!
Richard Lussier is a 49 year old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. from Lewiston, Maine. Richard Lussier has four children, including a 15 year old son named Caleb who has autism. Richard Lussier is an Autism Light because when he returned home from a 5 month deployment in Afghanistan in February, 2014, he organized his return into a very special surprise for his son Caleb.
Richard Lussier is a true military hero. He is a veteran of Desert Storm and had reenlisted at age 49 in order to give a break to the younger soldiers who have had multiple deployments.
Richard Lussier had been home for a week from a five month deployment in Afghanistan, but had kept his return a secret from his son Caleb, in order to surprise him. Richard Lussier surprised his son by being a guest speaker at the Air Force Junior ROTC meeting at Lewiston High School in Maine on February 4, 2014. Caleb was not told who the speaker was, only that it was classified information.
At the reunion Caleb hugged his father Richard. Caren Lussier, Caleb's mother said, "It was amazing, because you don't see that from Caleb. There's no hugs, no kissing or touching (Autism Speaks, February 5, 2014)."
Here are some online stories about Richard Lussier and his special reunion with his son Caleb.
Special thanks to Richard Lussier for all he does in the service of of his country and as an autism father. Richard Lussier is representative of other autism fathers in military service. His service is an inspiration to the autism community.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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