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.