Three Cullman County, Alabama, children were overjoyed to see their father after his two-year deployment with the U.S. Army.
Skyler Lee, Jaylon Flanigan and Jazlyn Flanigan were taken by surprise when their father, Sergeant First Class Kelvin Lee, made a surprise visit back to the states on leave, according to a report from WBMA.
His first stop was Hanceville Elementary School.
As he entered his youngest daughter’s fifth-grade classroom, someone announced, “Alright, come on in, special reader.”
The touching moment showing Skyler Lee recognizing her father and rushing to hug him was captured on video. The emotional reunion had the little girl in tears, according to the report.
SFC Lee next visited Hanceville High School’s pep rally, where he was introduced as the guest of honor.
He was greeted with cheers and applause as he stepped onto the gym floor and reunited with his other two children Jaylon and Jazlyn.
The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” to honor the returning soldier, the WBMA report noted.
“It’s a better feeling than I thought,” Lee said. “I thought I was just gonna come back, and everything was gonna be the same, but the emotions are there. I’m just happy to be here.
“Trust me, I’m really using this to make sure I do retire in this next year and come home to them,” the soldier added.
Lee has served in various locations, including Georgia, Texas, Hawaii and Korea, and is currently stationed in Kuwait, the report noted.
The heartwarming story resonated with many and was greeted with an outpouring of gratitude on social media.
“God be with & bless you & your family!” one social media user commented. “Thank you and your family for serving and sacrificing for our country!!”
Another added, “Thank you for your service, Sir. I appreciate you!”
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