GILBERT, AZ — Chris Fulton has served in the U.S. Army for nearly two decades.
His first deployment was in 2009, during Operation Freedom. He was deployed overseas a second time in 2020-2021. Most recently, he was deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year, but he is home once again.
ABC15 was there on Monday when Fulton arrived at his daughters' Gilbert elementary school for a special homecoming surprise.
Fulton stood behind a stage curtain during the school’s lunch hour and was revealed to the students, including his beloved daughters, after an announcement from the principal.
Watch the heartfelt celebration in the video player above.
See more from Uplifting Arizona:
Award-winning teen film shines light on depression
Valley teen wins design contest celebrating Arizona ahead of USA's 250th anniversary
Phoenix salon hit by arson gives back through mentorship program
Ability 360 swimmer completes grueling two-mile swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco
Rock garden in Sunnyslope granted historic status after decades of advocacy