Local toddler son of deployed soldier shows his pride in America every time he sees red, white and blue

SODA SPRINGS — If you go to any event in Soda Springs where the American flag is flown, you might notice a toddler who drops everything to show his pride and respect for the USA.

Klint Steele of Soda Springs is only 21 months old but he's already setting a patriotic example for the next generation by putting his hand over his heart and standing at attention whenever Old Glory flies nearby.

And local folks can't help but take notice.

The root of Klint's love of country is the hero in his life — his soldier father who is currently deployed overseas as a member of the U.S. Army.

In 2019, Klint’s father, Carson Steele, chose to serve his country before his senior year at Soda Springs High School by enlisting in the Army.

Following high school graduation, Carson married his sweetheart Morgan Wood just after he finished the Army's Advanced Individual Training.

Carson then spent time the next year traveling to monthly drills with his unit, while awaiting the arrival of his son Klint in September of 2022.

Klint was a young 8 months old when Army Spc. Carson Steele was called to serve his first deployment, which lasted six weeks.

Morgan said, “I started to realize Klint really understood way more than I thought he would. He would crawl into our room and look for his 'dada.' I chose then to be diligent about showing him pictures of Carson and share why daddy is gone and what he was doing, mostly so he wouldn’t be scared or nervous of him when he came back home.”

Before Klint had turned a year old, Carson got news he would be deployed for a year-long assignment. The shock hit hard of facing two deployments within a year. The family experienced a lot of anxiety, uncertainty and heartache.

Klint more aware than ever continued to grow and learned how important his daddy and his work was.

Morgan attended many local sporting events with Klint. Sporting events which always began with the National Anthem.

Klint was initially taught to put his hand over his heart when the anthem was being sung but quickly caught on to the gesture without any prompting from mom.

In fact when Klint sees an American flag or anything red, white and blue, he drops everything to reverently place his hand over his heart and stand up straight.

Considering how easily toddler's can be distracted, his focus is impressive.

This included a moment caught while attending his aunt’s prom when he saw a young man dressed in a stars and stripes suit. Klint's hand quickly went over his heart as he stood at attention.

The sight of the boy paying homage to his nation in such a manner can't be missed.

Currently seven months into Carson's deployment, Klint is still sharing his pride and example with others as he quietly placed his hand to heart as the colors were presented at the Soda Springs Fourth of July parade.

Less than 2 years old, Klint is very aware and knows there is a significance to the work his daddy does. He acknowledges that the flag and his daddy’s work go hand in hand.

Morgan said, “Part of me wishes everyone could feel this kind of pride for our country the way we do. Yet I would never wish this experience of uncertainty and separation upon anyone. Love and pride can and should be taught but it also is felt, even as a child.”

Carson and Morgan were still teenagers when they began living the challenges and stresses of military life.

An unwavering love for country and each other continues to carry them through the hardships, while son Klint already knows freedom is far from free.