After nine months of deployment in Afghanistan, a U.S. Army Staff Sgt. surprised his 9-year old son with a big hug on the football field during his son's junior league game on Sept. 14., ABC News reports.
Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Pickett was used to missing his children's events, as he has just completed his third deployment, the latest of which required him to leave his family for nearly a year.
"This was the very first game I've been able to see," the 30-year old father told "Good Morning America."
Pickett's son was suited up and ready to play in his junior league football game at Ed Loeb Field in Lawrenceville, Ill., when to his surprise, his father appeared on the field, catching the boy off guard and causing him to burst into tears as he ran into his dad's waiting arms.
"I wanted to make it a big deal for him. He's my little buddy," Pickett said, explaining that he had originally planned to throw the ball to his son, though he was spotted too soon. "I couldn't wait to see his expression. As soon as he started crying I just couldn't believe I was finally there. It's been a year since I've been able to see him. I was ready to let him know I was home."
After reuniting with his son, the proud papa stood off to the side and watched him play a game of football for the first time. Pickett told ABC News he has no plans for redeployment anytime soon, so he will have plenty of time to catch up with his "little budy."
"He's already made some big plans," Pickett said. "We have video games to play, and he has an Apache helicopter I sent him while I was away that we're finally going to put together."
The video was captured by family friend, Ryan Roush, and is currently featured on WelcomeHomeBlog.
