This Army Veteran Reunited with His Biological Brothers After 50 Years

Growing up, Col. Eric Jackson and Brian Jackson always knew they had a long-lost brother who had been given up for adoption in Germany. Nearly 50 years later, they finally found him when their long-lost nephew took a DNA test in efforts to learn more about his heritage. Their brother, Maj. General Robert Edmonson II, is also in the military and the three siblings have finally reunited. They join our #VeteransDay episode to discuss their incredible story.
#TamronHallShow #TamronHall
Subscribe to Tamron Hall Show: bit.ly/2QAZSuD
FIND YOUR TIME AND CHANNEL:
www.tamronhallshow.com
[Put in your zip code in the top portion of the website]
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: / tamronhallshow
Twitter: / tamronhallshow
Facebook: / tamronhall
Pinterest: / tamronhallshow
JOIN OUR SHOW:
www.tamronhallshow.com/be-on-...
From the deeply moving to the purely fun, “Tamron Hall” is a daily destination for all things topical and a platform for viewers to connect with the people who are shaping our world through meaningful, engaging, and entertaining conversations. As a new mom, a newlywed, and a survivor who is proving you can accomplish anything at any age, Tamron Hall brings a refreshing, relatable, unpredictable, and unstoppable voice to television.
Broadcast from New York City featuring a dynamic mix of live and taped shows, “Tamron Hall” airs across the country in national syndication.

[@melodygreen5029]

These men are true gentlemen. They deserve all of our respect. I am so happy for them.

[@jackeeg]

Being an Army veteran myself… I swear/affirm, I was NOT crying; my eyes were just sweating!

[@liliahodges5518]

@jackeeg7985: I agree. HOOAH‼️

[@vanessasellers4636]

Liars! Lol beautiful story, heart felt emotions with some water. Bless the both of you as well.😊

[@bunmijohn6569]

Sweating like this!😭😭😭 Right?

[@LADYDIVAful]

I’m a retired cop & I’m BOO-HOO-ING🤍🤍🤍

[@tonisumblin2719]

Me to. So heartwarming. ❤

[@msr9449]

Damn, their parents did a great job. Successful black men. God bless them.🙏🙏🙏

[@sherei9530]

Indeed. Both sets.

[@nkel6111]

they were in iraq, a country where a lie had them presumably had them killing people that was done because of a lie. Kill yes, but don't invoke a god. Iraquis and Afghanis are god's children too. I a 60's Marine..dread judgement day

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

couldn't just say successful men no

[@1nesoch]

@@AlainnCorcaigh I think it is due to the fact that there are not many of them in our communities of color. Nothing wrong.

[@catherinefilipowski3506]

Just plain successful men. That's what I see. Awesome inspiring story!!!

[@philesiaj.wilcox-bartsch6206]

The three of them have a remarkable resemblance to the father..

[@asabifatosin1150]

But especially Colonel Jackson.

[@walkabout123]

The oldest one looks like Obama

[@jumpmaster1906]

@@asabifatosin1150 I got that a lot growing up! :) It's a badge of honor to resemble my dad. Thanks for your comment & be blessed!

[@paperjellyfish143]

Tamaron Hall is class. I can tell she loves this piece, she is not reading her notes, when she reads her notes, she is not feeling the guest. Thank you Lord for blessing her, she truly has an amazing gift.

[@hicksa1]

I don't think that she's not feeling the guest. She has had a similar journey, so this is more organic for her.

[@patriciascott8939]

If I'm not mistaken, Tamron's father retired from the military, so she feels at home interviewing these officers and their brother. All three of them are handsome and brilliant! They appear so thrilled to have found one another, and I am so happy for them. May God bless each of you and your families! General and Colonel, thank you for your service to our country! Thank you, Tamron, for sharing this wonderful story.

[@edwardrmayer9807]

@@patriciascott8939 Very well said, thank you, Ed.

[@valarielacasse803]

@@hicksa1 i think the woman kispoke based on reading her entire comment

[@philesiaj.wilcox-bartsch6206]

The two service men have the same sweet smile.💕

[@debrarolland1183]

yes!

[@altonbrek]

They are all decent, articulate, intelligent gentlemen. So inspiring.

[@tonisumblin2719]

Yes they are. Wonderful men. I’m so happy for them.

[@shawnpreston1639]

See here: when decency runs in the family, it’s in your blood whether you know your blood or not, and this is an example of nature vs nurture. They all received a good dose of both, but the one thing they all share in common is blood…and without knowing each other, they all went on similar paths which tells me their father covered them spiritually whether he was with them or not. And look what his prayers have done! 🙏🏾

[@FloralsofGracebyMaggie]

I wish I could like this comment 100 times 👏

[@prettypetals1]

Yesssss!! Say it again!

[@thonagoth9526]

What a comment! Shawn Preston, you've said it clearly.

[@jumpmaster1906]

@Shawn: Thanks for your comment! I'll be sure to pass it along to my brothers. God bless you!

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

This is so heart warming. Such lovely men, God bless and protect them 💕 and all of our veterans.

[@C2G2]

🙏🏿💯

[@jumpmaster1906]

Many thanks to Tamron for sharing our story. A year has passed since we did this interview. In that time, we have continued to strengthen the bonds of our brotherhood, even taking a huge multi-generational and multi-family vacation. And many thanks to all of you who have made such positive comments about our story. May God bless you, your families, and our Great Nation!

[@carmswtbess8029]

This is sooo cool! I found out about my 2 brothers at 18 one older, one younger I was so happy...love my siblings 💓💙💙

[@patricewike3879]

I found my older brothers and younger sisters and brother when I was 30ish. Love my family!

[@jennbed1899]

How wonderful, so sad that their father didn't have the chance to see them all reunite but I am sure he is watching from above.

[@antoinettew2354]

Loveddddd this story!!! When I was young my Mom lost touch with my father’s family (Complicated story). We moved and transferred schools. My younger sister would always complain about a girl she didn’t like who looked like me. One day my mother ran into my aunt at the grocery store. We had lived in the next street for 3yrs. The girl my sister would complain about was my cousin.

[@patricewike3879]

Wow!

[@SiwatuSpikes]

Tamron, this was an amazing episode. MG Edmonson is a very special person. He was my Brigade Commander, he promoted me to the last rank that I held, and I was honored that he accept to officiate my Retirement Ceremony from the Army.

[@monetward1835]

Thank you'll for your services!!

[@Alvan81]

This has got to be a good feeling watching this show!

[@theronedawson3236]

I know the feeling of meeting your siblings. I knew had 4 sisters that by father. I was the youngest. We met and we are so close. God is good.

[@dw3998]

This is a beautiful story! I to am looking for my bio family. Hopefully I will get to find them. As a fellow Veteran I would like to thank them for their service as well. THANK YOU!!

[@Dragonflyloverncountrymusic]

I pray you have been successful in finding your bio family. And Thank you for your service.

[@dr.brendabrown4160]

I pray you’re able to find your biological family. Thank you for your service.

[@dw3998]

@@dr.brendabrown4160 Thank you so much!

[@stevenweir7236]

As an old army grunt this brings tears of joy to my eyes. Hooah

[@mikebox]

What a great story. I wish their father would have lived to see it. Great bunch of men

[@jumpmaster1906]

So do I. Indeed, he would be proud of all of us! Thank you for your comment. May God bless you!

[@otionba77]

I am not an emotional person but, boy, I was teary-eyed. God Almighty will bless and keep you all safe together

[@pearlvongpusanachai5942]

Their father must be so thrilled and consoled up there.

[@asabifatosin1150]

Colonel Jackson is the spittin’ image of their father! Twinning.

[@franciscalemessy3498]

This is sooooooo beautiful.

[@TheresaMarie16]

I honor both of you. My Dad was in the Army for 22 years. He served two tours in Vietnam. Thank you for your service.

[@D_A_Marv]

Mr. Edmonson resembles Mr. Obama and sounds like him. This was a refreshing episode to watch.

[@insanity6829]

what an awesome story AND to see both HIGH UP in the ranks of much dedication and hard work then to find yet another brother! AMEN!!!!! What a blessing !

[@thefunkim1539]

I served under his leadership at Ft Gordon, Ga Great man!!

[@ladonnajackson734]

I'm not crying, you are! What a beautiful story. So happy for them. And I know their father is smiling ear to ear in heaven.

[@liliahodges5518]

@ladonnajackson734: I am NOT SORRY to interrupt any person trying to get your attention here. Please, do yourself a favor and BLOCK ANYONE TRYING TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES IN THIS MANNER. Unfortunately, scammers are working all of the social platforms these days. Be careful‼️

[@dorothymichael2179]

Thks Brothers for serving America,God Bless, your sacrifice not in vain for black/brown Kids, thks again my Hero's

[@mississippiqueen2u]

Beautiful! So glad to see this warmth. A biological parent can only wish and pray that their adoptive child is loved and care for well beyond their capabilities at the time. A dream come true for all involved. Best case senecio. Handsome men indeed. Well spoken and full of love and pride.

[@drtruth8]

As a professional genealogist I always warn people that a dna test will have some sort of surprise. Maybe the ethnicity estimate says you’re 2% something unexpected, maybe you carry the bald gene, or maybe you have a bunch of siblings out in the world. I personally want people to take dna tests (it makes my job much easier!), but facing those kind of surprises goes better when you’re willing to face them. I found three uncles and an aunt when I tested and I absolutely love them! Fortunately my dad had come to terms with what it all meant by the time I introduced him to his siblings and it was a happy meeting

[@KB-fe2pg]

Two years ago I found a sister.

[@temekarollins6007]

What's the best DNA to get? Can I order one online or are the ones at Walgreens accurate?

[@drtruth8]

@@temekarollins6007 Depending on what you want from the test, I usually start with Ancestry. Then you can upload data from that test to some sites like MyHeritage or GEDMatch. I don’t know what Walgreens has. Every site will have different relative matches and different ethnicity estimates so I prefer to cast a wide range when possible. Most sites will have sales around holidays so look out for those of you don’t want to spend more money than necessary. MyHeritage tests have a more international clientele so if you’re looking for matches from abroad that’s a good way to go. Ancestry changes their ethnicity estimates often so if that’s what you’re interested in they can be fun. 23&Me is probably just as good as Ancestry though they’re a bit more focused on health and physical traits. I haven’t been able to play with that myself as I’m waiting for my budget to allow it. Smaller sites usually allow dna data from other sites to be uploaded (at least they did when I was putting my family’s DNA anywhere I could.) TLDR: Personally I think Ancestry is a good start, but each test is different.

[@vanessasellers4636]

Hello. This so interesting. My great great Grandmother is from East Prussia. What is the best way to find my family there? I have some of her father and siblings names. The family name is Loos. If you could point me the right direction I would appreciate it. Thank You in advance.

[@tonisumblin2719]

I was adopted. My kids begged me to take a DNA for them because we have no biological family on my side. I took one. My kids said it’s confirmed. I’m a space alien. 😂. Crazy kids. It was a very enlightening experience. Korean War orphan, American father who was biracial. I’m from everywhere. I love it. I have no interest in searching from my biological family. My adopted family was everything to me. Both parents are gone now and I still miss them terribly. We are often bonded more by love then blood. I do think this is an awesome discovery for these brothers. And I encourage people to take a DNA test. I’m glad I did for my silly kids. ❤

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Tamron when you said your cheeks hurt from smiling, I was thinking the same thing. What an extraordinary story. Of course, the fact that the two brothers served together and were in the same division, man, what are the chances of that happening? There is such a striking resemblance between the three too, I wonder if they were ever told they looked alike. This is a yr old for me, but just as heart warming as the day it aired. Thank you, and thank you for their service and dedication to our country.

[@Ndisikasewe]

Seems like she is genuinely excited for them!

[@VelvetLovesU]

What an incredible story!!! Wowwwwww!!!

[@dr.brendabrown4160]

This is such a heart warming story. I’m smiling ear to ear! ❤

[@gretchenmorris9241]

And, to top it off the sister in-laws resemble each other ❤

[@brenda1934]

I love these types of stories that Tamron does. It is so important to know your family.....all of them.

[@liliahodges5518]

@brenda1934: Brenda, unlike some other responders, I am NOT AT ALL SORRY to interrupt the situation that is trying to take place. Please, refrain from allowing strangers to entice you into a scammer scenario. BE CAREFUL‼️

[@brenda1934]

@@liliahodges5518 when I read your message I was wondering what you were talking about and now I see the previous message I hadn't seen it before I saw yours. Thanks for looking out I wouldn't have failed for that I've reported it. Thank you

[@debbiedugay8574]

what a great story! My family is deeply rooted in the military too. My great great grandad and great grandad wer in the US Army. My Dad and his 3 brothers were amongst the first in the Air Force, My brother and his wife were Air Force, as well as their daughter. My husband and I were US Navy and now my Grandaughter is a Marine. That is just the American side! My mom is English and her family were Royal Army and Royal Navy going back about 180 years (so far). Ya'll be happy !

[@sankofaha7557]

Beautiful. Real warriors you don't want to mess around with.

[@Alvan81]

The amount of achievement, talent, bravery, and class on display is miraculous!

[@audreysuite]

What a coincidence that they are both members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and their wives are AKA's

[@alantaylor9593]

Hell yes! I'm a Alpha too...

[@theodorethomas9146]

🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@taz9234]

Skee Wee 🍀🌸🍀🌸🍀🌸🍀🌸🍀🌸🍀🌸🍀Beautiful Family 🙋🏿‍♀️ Hey Frat

[@ObamAmerican48]

I'm so glad they found each other and I thank the general and the colonel for their noble service to our country.

[@mosesptallah3933]

This gives me teary eyes, What a joy for the family reunion!

[@carolecarr5210]

Sirs, being a prejudiced Vet, I love all Vets. My prejudice is a positive, having been an Air Force Nurse during the Viet Nam era. Your story is miraculous. Thank you both for your service, & love.

[@meekyw.4010]

The adopted older Brother is giving off Barack Obama vibes. Very handsome too!

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing

[@deanna334]

RIGHT from the way he talks to his mannerisms

[@elizabethtimothy4776]

He's biracial of European and African decent, that's why.

[@meekyw.4010]

@@elizabethtimothy4776 No, it's not because of his mixed ethnicities. It's more of the posture, cadence in the voice, demeanor not his complexion. Lots of men have the same complexion and don't have mixed ethnicities.

[@smirnadeoleo4708]

yaaasssss!!! first thing i thought!

[@yowurl01]

I just could not stop smiling. I love this story so much! Thanks Tamaron and thank you beautiful family!

[@mikebox]

I was crying. Great story

[@Blacklist324]

A Major General & a Full Bird Colonel, very impressive.

[@msnutrients9399]

A beautiful miracle!!! With so much tragedy in the news, it's refreshing to witness a family filled with joy & love.❤🩶💙🇺🇲

[@joelleson3313]

These two Army officers exemplify what the Army is all about. In our Army units we are family. In the case of these three outstanding men, this is a true, wonderful Army family.

[@silenceisgoldn]

This is one of the happiest, joyful and special stories I've heard in a long time... for real, one of the best. The military connection and extremely high ranking at that is extraordinary!!! I'm delighted for all 3 men//brothers !!!!!!

[@troybennett5004]

That is absolutely one of the best real life stories that I have ever heard. These are what real men look and sound like. God is amazing and even being referenced by scripture during the interview. Brothers, God bless you and your families; to God be all glory.

[@joshm960]

True heroes…. I wish we had more of our men like these guys

[@gloriaonyebeke4458]

I love the military people! Thanks for your sacrifice! I salute all of you!

[@1Lioness_1]

Great Men.

[@lucyd4149]

Such a touching story, glad they were able to connect.

[@aAQEeprov]

Tamron Hall has the markings of Oprah. I see great things in your future #Tamron!

[@denisesalles7248]

She’s much better than Oprah because she doesn’t make everything about her.

[@sagewisdom3371]

Such a beautiful story, and even more so to know that they actually served together! Just wow!

[@He_Knows7]

The true purpose of taking dna test, reuniting families. Man, this really makes your heart sing and gives us so much joy watching this. Three brothers united. Singing Lambs song, Thank God for mercy, counting my blessings, So many lessons, everything we do by grace, by grace.

[@marimorris4856]

WONDERFUL! BLESSINGS!

[@franjones7953]

I am so happy for you guys that you are finally really reunited. Thank you for your service, sir and you make us proud. It’s time for you to be happy. Enjoy your time with your brothers.

[@mojirolaodeyemi4483]

What an amazing story. I hope Tamara you are following up on all these amazing gentlemen. God bless them all including you.

[@joslinmartin2630]

Congratulations

[@denysereyes6029]

This is so touching, but crazy at the same time because In other cases you can end up falling in love with your sibling, anyhow this reunion brought so much joy to me

[@Cherrykhalil]

I think he better check with president obama are they sibling too 😅 they kinna look the same the voice… hahaha its a sweet story to be told and discover

[@kwhite2743]

WOW, what a wonderful story and family.

[@Onix.556]

Dang, that’s wild! It’s crazy they served in the same unit. 82nd is a huge division, and it’s wild they were both in the same unit.

[@sheilacoleman1400]

They are some fine brother.

[@Shoin300]

This is so beautiful! Thank you gentlemen for your service to this country and thank you beautiful Tamara!❤

[@margearettarmstrong4779]

Thank you guys for service and all veterans so glad you found your brothers Thank God Another Blessing!!!💞

[@noram2957]

This is simply beautiful 😻

[@smirnadeoleo4708]

i’m getting Barack Obama vibes from older brother!❤😊

[@user-bm5oj2kr5p]

Yes yes

[@karenjohnson5271]

They all resemble each other. I love these stories.

[@uniwemusic2929]

Awesome & very memorable family reunion! Best wishes to All 3 brothers & their family! ❤️‍🩹🤩🤩🤩

[@donovonpeart7821]

I just can't stop crying I so happy for u guys u seems to be such nice people love u all hope before I pass I would meet u all

[@vanessasellers4636]

This is so wonderful. So much joy. I’m glad the Father is looking down so proud and glad his sons are finally together. I know he would have wanted to be here in the physical, to finally see and hold his son and all of his boys together. One sweet day Mr. Jackson Sr. One sweet day. God Bless you all. 😊

[@BrokenLady67]

I used to see General Edmonson every other day when I had my store at Forscom/USARC at Fort Bragg. He’s genuinely as nice as he seems. Even more handsome in person. I also met his wife and his family. I’m delighted for him in finding his brothers!!

[@cuprunnethover2509]

Goodness, he is handsome! Wow! How wonderful is that!! They are all handsome!! Man, this making me want to cry! Wow to know your brother is right with you but you don't know he is your brother! And then to find out that he has been your brother all along! That is something! God is good!

[@davidchiazor]

What a beautiful story, kudos to their father who made sure they never forget their’lost’ brother. I wish them the best

[@Ethiofirst201162]

I am from Ethiopia watching, listening crying emotional.

[@nhiarslain2422]

Wow! All handsome & dignify men! Love the story. So much love & respect.

[@lukachichandwa1412]

Such gentlemen..God bless you all

[@lesliedrayton9306]

I LOVED THIS episode so much, I started showing great emotions!

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Tamron, you are bringin the fire with these awesome stories!

[@liveloud3474]

His wife is resourceful af

[@ellenwheat3608]

Love this story, and i love how Tamron told the story with her special enthusiasm!!

[@camille111462]

This is a beautiful story. I am 60 years old and have given up on ever finding my biological father so this really touches me.

[@llw53one]

Wow, he looks just like his father 🥰

[@cmhartfi]

I absolutely LOVE this💯❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@carlottawalker6185]

This story brings tears to your eyes.

[@user-ug3ub5od6b]

That is a Awesome Blessing to have your Family come back together as 1. I have no doubt that your Father crying with Love & Joy as he saw ya'll come together. As for the 2 of you that is serving our Beautiful Country in the U.S. Army, we can't Thank You enough for all you do for our Beautiful Country so we can have our FREEDOM!! May God continuously Bless You all.❣️🇺🇸🦅

[@pamelafoley9815]

Proud of these vets glad they are brothers with kindred hearts

[@lamalady57]

#emotional! I am so happy for these gentlemen. I am so #PROUD

[@nanzirirhene1128]

Crying here. So refreshing this Christmas season. God bless the handsome brothers and their families

[@alisah2570]

Tam you did it again this story was Amazing!!!

[@metropcs7560]

Amazing story, blessings to all and thank you for sharing!!!

[@gpinkard]

What a beautiful story and what wonderful men!

[@farmgirl2cr]

These gentlemen are so fantastic. So glad they are finally together and learning about one another!

[@dorawright173]

This is so breathtaking; hurtful as well as joyful and happiness.

[@sandramoore5769]

Special blessings and thanks for sharing this great news 😊❤️

[@jacquiemylove80]

Now, how have they been married 30 years when his wife looks 30??? BDC!!!!

[@smirnadeoleo4708]

no heartache.❤😊

[@denisebreeden825]

Seriously though

[@dorothygriggs4893]

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.💕

[@suluetibose895]

Soo soo beautiful and Heartwarming. Thank You for your service Gentlemen's. God Bless your family