Soldier surprises daughter, classmates

KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WHDH) -- After a year serving in Kuwait, Lt. Colonel Andy Chevalier decided to surprise his daughter, dropping in on her class at Stony Lane School in north Kingstown, Rhode Island.

"There's nothing like seeing her is person, smelling her and holding her. So I'm looking forward to it, yeah,” said Lt. Col. Chevalier, RI National Guard.

Still in uniform, he marched through the halls to 8-year-old Melanie's 3rd grade classroom.

Melanie was overwhelmed to see her dad after so many months apart and grabbed a hug from her mom.

Then, her classmates gathered in the library, eager to greet the solider after writing him emails, and sending him care packages.

The kids learned about the important job Melanie's dad was doing while he was away and even the hot weather in Kuwait.

"It finally got below 100. It was about 120 for probably about 3 or 4 months while we were there,” said Chevalier.

After spending the last few holidays apart, Chevalier made it back to Rhode Island just in time to celebrate two important milestones with his family.

"Tomorrow we have a birthday party, her 9th birthday, and our 10th year anniversary coming up as well,” said Chevalier.