WATCH: Staff sergeant's emotional reunion with daughter at Braves game
ATLANTA - A heartwarming reunion took place at Turner Field Wednesday night between a military dad and his daughter.
Last July, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Clayton Walker was deployed for a fifth time as the Intelligence Chief for the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response Africa. He just returned home from an 11-month deployment in Italy and decided to surprise his 10-year-old daughter Cassidy in a big way.
Cassidy was invited to sing the national anthem with her school for the Braves game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ahead of the song, the staff sergeant appeared in a video where he sent his daughter his love "from Italy."
"Cassidy, I can't wait to be home soon and I can't wait to see you," he said in the video.
The video brought the young girl to tears as she went on to sing the national anthem.
Once the kids were done singing, Staff Sergeant Walker appeared from the Braves dugout and the biggest smile instantly appeared on his daughter's face.
Cassidy ran toward her father, jumped into his arms and gave him a long hug that they'll both likely never forget.
It was an unforgettable moment and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!
The Atlanta Braves went on to beat the Phillies 5-1.
Walker's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (w/ 2 gold stars), Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.