FT. KNOX, Ky. (WHAS11) -- It was the best holiday present any family could've asked for: their loved one returning home just in time to spend it with.
Families and friends eagerly waited at Fort Knox as 25 soldiers returned home from a six-moth deployment to Asia.
Among the crowd of hugs and happy tears as the families were finally reunited, was Capt. Andrew Hughes and his wife, Karla. The only thing missing from their hugs was their daughter Everleigh.
Everleigh had no idea when she went to school Wednesday that she'd finally get to see her dad again, even in time for her birthday on Dec. 24.
As she rounded the corner, Capt. Hughes shouted "Everleigh!" It took her a moment to realize, before she ran and jumped into her dad's arms, shouting "Daddy!"
The family said it was a hard secret to keep from her, but one that was well worth the wait. They said being together again is going to make it their best-ever Christmas celebration.
►Contact reporter Tyler Emery at temery@WHAS11.com. Follow her on Twitter (@TylerWHAS11) and Facebook.