Route 66 in Canyon Country is hosting a surprise party Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a U.S. Navy officer and Canyon High grad returning on a break from service overseas.

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Lt. Tyler Hawkins of the U.S. Navy is the guest of honor at the restaurant’s Bike Night, which also features a live band. All are welcomed to attend, Thomas said.

The Hawkins family plays in a band together, which was part of the ruse used to lure Hawkins to the event, said George Thomas, the restaurant’s owner.

Hawkins, who plays guitar, was invited to play on stage at the restaurant; when the band takes a break, Thomas plans on introducing an unsuspecting Hawkins and saying a few words. A city of Santa Clarita official will also be on hand to make a presentation .

“Anything I can do to take my hat off and say, Thank you,” to them is the least that I can do,” said Thomas, whose brother was a Green Beret in Vietnam. “I think it’s more important to thank the guys while they’re still with us, and give them the feeling that, “My community knows what I do and respects what I do.”

Related article: Sept. 11 Tribute At Route 66 To Honor Local First Responders

Gold Star Parent and Santa Clarita City Councilman Dante Acosta, whose son Rudy Acosta died while serving in the Kandahar province in 2011 for Operation Enduring Freedom, will be presenting Hawkins with a certificate of appreciation from the city.

“Any time that we can honor our vets and those who are currently serving, and he is, I count it as a privilege,” Acosta said. “These young men and women volunteer to serve their community and the nation as a whole, and it’s a very small gesture on my part.”

Hawkins played for Canyon High’s 2005 championship football team before graduating from U.S Naval Academy in Annapolis.

There will also be a fly-over planned for the Condor Squadron based out of Van Nuys, Thomas said.

The restaurant is located at 18730 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita.

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