Brothers Philip, Hunter and Randall Wilson thought it was just another assembly in the school's gymnasium. Little did they know, Thursday's special guest was their dad, U.S. Army Seargent First Class P.J Wilson, who returned to Graves County this week after a nine month deployment in Afghanistan.
Upon seeing their father, all three boys immediately left their seats in the bleachers, and ran onto the gym floor to give their dad hugs and kisses.
PJ's wife, Mary Ann, helped orchestrate Thursday's surprise. She said she was excited and nervous.
“This is the third time he's returned,” Mary Ann said. “We were able to surprise the boys this time. This is a first.”
Middle son Hunter could hardly contain his excitement.
“I haven't got to see him in so long,” Hunter said. “This is the first time I've ever got to see him back from deployment, because last time he came back I was too young.”
PJ said he was happy to be home.
“Just honored that the school gave us the opportunity to surprise them,” PJ said. “I was really happy with it.”
PJ has 16 years of service in the Army. He recently helped with security during President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan.