Military Dad Dressed As School Mascot Surprises Daughter

A military dad leaves his daughter stunned as he emerges from inside her school’s mascot costume to surprise her after more than a year serving overseas. Petty Officer First Class Brian Sitarz, 36, had been serving in Djibouti, East Africa, for 13 months with the United States Navy Reserves. On May 7, however, Brian, returned to the U.S., so he headed to Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. There, pupils - including Brian’s daughter, Kaylee, 14 - were brought outside and were asked to gather around the school’s bulldog mascot. They were told the bulldog was looking to show appreciation for some pupils who have performed well that academic year - with Kaylee being the first to be called out. After receiving a high five from the mascot, Kaylee watched on as the bulldog performed a unique dance she would recognize as her dad in front of her. She then began to laugh and quietly say "No, no" with the realization of what was going on. Brian then removed the mascot’s head before his daughter ran and jumped into his arms. All around them, pupils cheered as the pair shared a hug 13 months in the making.

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