Author: Militarykind, USA TODAY

This Navy veteran hasn’t been in an airplane in 30 years. Look at the joy on his face when he gets up in the air.

Behind these six emotional military reunions are families who fought to make sure their “welcome home” hugs were bigger and better than their “goodbye” hugs.

What a fellow military spouse did for her and her late father at Area 51 left her speechless.

A pie-eating contest turned into messy hugs and kisses for these three boys and their Airman dad.

He put a costume over his Army uniform to ask one of the biggest questions of his life.

Despite her initial reaction, this sailor’s mom was really happy to see him.

Luke’s cousins missed him so much that they fell to the ground when their soldier finally came home.

Despite her initial reaction, this sailor’s mom was really happy to see him.

After much thought and a lot of prayer, this new mom and dad decided his future was in the Air Force.

Emergency surgery didn’t stop this team of doctors and nurses from giving a newly-graduated marine the ceremony he deserved.