Members of the United States military make huge sacrifices when they agree to put their lives on the line to serve their country. Their families end up making major sacrifices as well, as they have to be separated from their loved one for months at a time, oftentimes not knowing whether they are safe or not.

Ava Skyy is a 5 year-old girl from New Jersey who knows all about these sacrifices, as her father Navy Gunner’s Mate Second Class Frank Lockett had been deployed in the Middle East since last June. Since he left home, little Ava has been wishing for one thing: that her father would come home.

On Tuesday, the kindergartner’s dream came true when her father surprised her at school!

A touching video is showing Ava screaming “Daddy!” as he surprised her at Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School in Mays Landing, New Jersey. Though she was happy to see her dad, Ava had no intention of changing up her daily routine. When Frank asked Ava if she wanted to leave school early or stay for her after-school activities, she dutifully replied that she wanted to stay at school. Just like her dad, Ava is all about doing her duty and following the rules!

Before leaving, Frank thanked Ava’s class for sending him care packages while he was away, rewarding them all with high-fives.

It’s always so touching to watch military reunions and see servicemen and women return home to their families. Thank you for your service, Frank Lockett!

Watch the reunion for yourself below.