By LEE PECK

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SPANISH FORT, Alabama (WALA) – A very special homecoming for a military dad as he surprises his daughters at Spanish Fort Elementary.

Junior Rank Lt. Richard Sweeney was deployed overseas for six months to support Navy operations in the South China Sea. He just arrived by plane and for the past two days he has plans to surprise his daughters – Clarissa and Scarlett, who are in third grade and kindergarten at Spanish Fort Elementary.

So that they would not be suspicious – the school planned an impromptu parade in front of the school, where the pupils lined up on the alley. As the students waved American flags and held patriotic placards, most thought it was part of Toro’s reunion festivities this week.

That was until Principal Waverly Boutin made the “big reveal!”

“Boys and girls, thank you very much !!! You did a wonderful job welcoming our special visitor. He has been in active service since April. But you know what he’s saying, he thinks he knows some of our students…. everyone knows who it is, ”said Boutin.

Immediately after Sweeney got off the golf cart decorated in red, white and blue – his daughters came running into his arms – first Clarissa then Scarlett.

There were hugs, tears and a lot of cheering from the students, teachers and staff during the moving reunion.

“I think when I saw Clarissa’s face and then Scarlett’s face light up… I wasn’t prepared for that.” I don’t think you could ever be, ”Sweeney said.

“Clarissa: I thought my brain had just boomed – I don’t know what to think. Lee: And then you ran to him? What was it doing? – Clarissa: It was amazing.

“It’s not my first deployment… So it never gets easier, but it’s never more special to see them for the first time when I come back,” said Sweeney.

Take a victory lap with Dad on the golf cart – the girls kept him out of sight and can’t wait to make up for lost time.

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