Family Fun
Girl removes mascot’s head at assembly not expecting Army dad to pop out
My heart melted when she finally sees who's inside the costume. This is so sweet! ❤️
Caryl Jane Espiritu
06.30.23

We are all grateful for the sacrifice of the military for our nation.

However, it’s not always easy to be in a military family.

Pexels - George Pak
Source:
Pexels - George Pak

Being in one would mean having a member that may not come home after leaving for deployments.

There is always a risk of losing them, and each time they leave can be the last time they will see their families.

Having a parent who works in the military can be very rewarding, but also very excruciating.

But, families with Army men and women in them are prepared for the worst but are always hoping for the best.

They are also sacrificing everytime their mom, dad, brother or sister leave for duty.

One family is not a stranger to this scenario.

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
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YouTube Screenshot - 9News

Abigail Calderon, a seventh grader, knows how hard it is to have a military dad.

She grew up in a military family, and she has learned to accept the fact that she will not be seeing her dad as much as other kids.

She may be missing her father most of the time, but she is certainly proud of her dad.

She knows how hard it is for him to live thousands of miles away from them, but he needs to do it for the country.

Her father is a man of honor, and being his daughter is something that Abigail is proud of.

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

It was an ordinary day at school when suddenly, Abigail was called to go to the gymnasium.

In the afternoon, while everyone was looking forward to the weekend and excitedly waiting for the school day to end, students were called to the gym.

Abigail was not sure what was exactly happening, but what eventually transpired in the special assembly was a moment that she will never forget.

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

Abigail was still confused when she finally reached the gym.

She saw the Rebel mascot and was already trying to guess who was the person hiding behind the costume. She had no idea at all!

Meanwhile, the person inside the costume couldn’t wait to reveal himself to Abigail.

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

Sergeant Rodolfo “David” Calderon Hernandez is Abigail’s father and he thought of the best way to surprise his beloved daughter with his arrival.

What could be better than to do it in the middle of a Friday afternoon posing as the school’s mascot, right?

He had been away for so long, and seeing his family is something that he was looking forward to, especially his daughter who had no idea that he was already back from deployment.

She looks so confused as she stared at the mascot!

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

A school teacher announces the mechanics of the special assembly and then, she calls Abigail to take a guess.

The young woman was confused, but she was keen on finding out who the person inside the Rebel costume was.

The teacher made it seem like Abigail was “randomly” picked.

She was the “lucky” participant who was about to receive an amazing gift.

The host said she could ask three questions of the mystery person to help her in guessing who he or she was.

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

After asking three questions and seeking help from a friend, Abigail still can’t guess the person in the mascot.

She was finally instructed to find out the answer.

She first removed the mascot’s hat and then, the mascot’s head.

It was at that moment that Abigail saw her father’s face!

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

The young girl was absolutely stunned and forgot how to speak.

She was so shocked that all she could do was hug her father tightly in front of the other students who were cheering for them.

What a beautiful reunion! It was so surreal and a scene that has brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

YouTube Screenshot - 9News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - 9News

Witness this father and daughter’s emotional reunion by watching the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: NBC DFW, 9NEWS

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