6 Heart-Warming Videos of Troops Returning Home

Written by Dabney B. on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Air Force news can get a bit depressing at times. With all the talk about defense budget setbacks, wars, and weapons of mass destruction, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the doom and gloom. Sometimes, though, it’s refreshing to take a step back from international tension and remind yourself of what’s worth fighting for.

Image: cbssports.com

Just yesterday on Memorial Day, Air Force Master Sgt. Dave Sims shocked his family by arriving at a Cardinals-Braves game. They went out on the field thinking that they would just be getting a special message from Dave, whom they believed to still be in Afghanistan. Instead, he showed up in person and was virtually tackled by his four children and wife.

The Sims are just one example of what happens every day as servicemembers return to their loved ones. In fact, there’s a whole YouTube video craze of amateur filmmakers capturing the heart-warming, emotional, and often shocked reactions of family members as they see their loved ones for the first time in months — sometimes even years.

Image: northwestmilitary.com

Today, we’re going to go through a dramatic change of tone and look at some of the Internet’s most endearing tear-jerkers. Here’s our favorite top 5 surprise troop homecomings.

 5. Step-Father Cries when Soldier Returns Home

They say real men cry, and this one breaks down when he sees his pride ‘n joy walk in the door. It may not be the most dramatic homecoming on the list, but seeing powerful, raw emotion from such a big guy really shows the impact of a veteran’s homecoming.

4. Soldier Reunites with Adoring Pooch

Not every reunion needs to involve tearful wives and children in order to be popular. This dog is clearly beside itself with joy, making sounds that you almost never hear a dog make. At 10 million views it’s clear that man’s best friend can’t wait for troops return home, either.

3. Daughter Surprised at School

The reaction on this girl’s face is priceless. What more can you say?

2. Marine Surprises Sister at Graduation

This rather public reunion made a great day even better for this college graduate. She quickly goes from cheerful, to confused, to sad, to exhilarated within the span of only a few seconds. You’ve got to love the crowd’s support.

1. Airmen Surprises Mother

What can we say? We’ve got a soft spot in our hearts for Airmen. Besides, it’s clear from this woman’s reaction that she got the surprise of a lifetime.

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