Returning Soldier Surprises 9-Year-Old Daughter

A 9-year-old suburban Chicago girl who hadn't seen her military father in 14 months was shocked to see him appear at her school Tuesday.

Petty Ofc. Steven Jones appeared at Mae Jemison School in Hazel Crest during the lunch hour, much to the surprise of his daughter, Madison, and her fourth-grade classmates.

It took a few seconds for Madison to register what was going on before bursting into tears and flinging herself into her father's arms.

"I feel amazing that my daddy is back. I missed him so much," Madison said.

"It was great. It's my baby, so I miss her, and I'm crying, too. It's a wonderful feeling," Steven Jones said.

Madison's mother, Yasmin, was also there for the reunion. She said the surprise was planned for several months, and now she's happy to not have to live the single-parent life anymore.

"A vacation," Yasmin said when asked what she planned to do now that her husband is home. "Daddy duty in full effect."

An extra bonus for Madison? She got to leave school early. The very first thing father and daughter planned to do was watch "Little Mermaid."

Steven Jones has been serving overseas in Afghanistan.

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