Slain Texas officer's son gets surprise trip to Cowboys camp

A soon-to-be 10-year-old is getting an early birthday present that's every Cowboys fan's dream.

Caden Sprague is arriving in Oxnard, California, Friday evening. The trip is bringing light and excitement into the life of a boy who's had to grow up without his father.

Caden’s mom delivering the exciting news to him Sunday that he would be going to the Dallas Cowboys training camp and meet all the players.

The news was overwhelming for the young man who lost his father, Texarkana Police Officer Jason Sprague on June 15, 2013, when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Caden's tenth birthday marks the point in his life when he's lived as long without his dad as he was able to live with him.

On Thursday, Caden and his family departed from Love Field.

“That's probably the best thing in my life that… I've been wanting to go there forever and actually meet the players in person,” Caden said.

It all started when Caden's mom called the Texas Municipal Police Association wondering if they could help arrange a tour of AT&T Stadium for Caden's birthday. They did even better, kicking off the trip of a lifetime with some signed Jason Whitten memorabilia.

“He's going to be treated kind of as the king of spring training camp when he gets out there,” said Clint McNear with the Texas Municipal Police Association. “We are laying Senior Corporal Givens to rest. His family is beginning their journey. And then we watched a family on their way that several years later they are still finding their way.”

McNear said even Caden is teaching him a thing or two about rediscovering happiness.

“I got a 10-year-old teaching me how to live,” he said. “Be better not bitter. Choose joy every day.”

Southwest Airlines, Dallas Moving and Storage, and the Dallas Cowboys all helped make the trip possible.

Police officers from across the state pitched in $3,400 so Caden and his family wouldn't have to worry about any expenses while they're gone.