Soldier surprises daughter at last day of school

UNDATED (WHDH) -- A soldier made his own homecoming a little more enjoyable down in Texas. His daughter was celebrating her last day in kindergarten, and she got a big present: her father.

US Army Staff Sergeant Zachary Chand spent about an hour waiting behind the stage while his daughter, Ava was singing and celebrating her graduation with her classmates.

But it wasn’t be long before father and daughter were reunited after being apart for 13 months, when he delivered her diploma to her.

It was an emotional reunion -- not a dry eye in the audience.

"The anticipation was really killing me. I was ready to just run out onto the stage, but it was worth the wait," Staff Sergeant Chand said.

It was a surprise reunion to all, even his family.

For Staff Sergeant Chand, he could not be prouder of his daughter.

"It makes me extremely proud. My children have to deal with a lot more than your typical child, so it's definitely a blessing and to say that I'm proud of them is an understatement. It's hard being away from family for about 13 months but this is what makes it all worth it right here, just being able to hold my kids in my arms again," Staff Sergeant Chand said.

As for Ava, she says she's proud of her dad.

"I felt proud and happy he was here," Ava said.

Chand will be home for 45 days before heading back to Afghanistan. As for Ava, she asked her dad to take her to see Justin Bieber.