JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville 4-year-old received a special surprise Friday when both of her parents returned home from a nine month tour in Afghanistan.
Breionna Watson-Smokes was sitting in music class at Providence School, when her mother, Sgt. Brittany Salley, and father, Sgt. Michael Watson-Smokes touched her shoulder from behind.
It was an emotional reunion for the little girl, who is being cared for by her grandmother and 13-year-old uncle, while her parents perform their third tour of duty in the Middle East for the US Army. The pair left in January, and were not expected to return home until January 2013.
"She loves the school so much," said Salley to school leaders, with tears streaming down her face. "I thank you so much for taking care of her. I couldn't imagine it being any better."
The couple will be in Jacksonville for only five days, before returning to complete their tour in Afghanistan, but they tell Action News the memory of the special surprise for their loving daughter will always be with them.
