Lemont Soldier Returns Home, Surprises Daughter at School: VIDEO

Angela Trujillo has been dreaming of her dad's homecoming for the past year. She's seen countless videos of soldiers surprising their kids at school, and always hoped it would happen to her.

On Wednesday, Anglea's wish came true.

Sgt. Rich Trujillo, of Lemont, was one of 175 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers to return home Wednesday morning after a year-long deployment in Kuwait. His wife, Tonya, greeted him at Midway Airport before heading to Old Quarry Middle School to surprise 11-year-old Angela, who thought her dad was returning Friday.

"She loves watching those videos of soldiers surprising their kids at school, and would always say, 'Mom, wouldn't that be cool if dad did that to me?'" Tonya said. 

Angela was in her sixth-grade science class when Old Quarry Principal Bill Caron walked in with Lemont Patch Editor Amanda Luevano. Caron told the class he was just showing the school to a reporter from the local newspaper.

Seconds later, Sgt. Trujillo entered the room. Angela, sitting in the back of the classroom, looked both stunned and elated as she realized her dad was finally home.

The pair hugged for several seconds as Angela's classmates and teacher Dennis Gawlik applauded in the background.

Following their reunion, Angela was still so surprised that all she could do was smile and hold tight to her dad.

For Sgt. Trujillo, it was a moment he'll never forget.

"Whenever you're gone for that long, it's always special to come back and see your family again," he said. "It's like meeting your kids for the first time. I can't describe it."

After 13 years of service and five deployments, Trujillo will be home for at least four years. He's looking forward to spending time with Tonya, Angela and his 5-year-old son, who they also surprised Wednesday afternoon.

"I'm just happy and grateful to be back with my family," he said.

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