Douglas Hernández is a member of the United States Navy and was serving in the Middle East when he left his detachment to travel thousands of kilometers to attend his daughter’s graduation, without her knowing he was in trouble back home. The journey took around 30 hours and on May 12, he was back on his home soil, ready to surprise his daughter.
Hernández coordinated the surprise with members of the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, where his daughter Pamela was graduating with a master’s degree in Public Administration. Valarie Burke, assistant dean for graduate student services, received an email from Hernández, asking if there was a way to surprise his daughter.
As soon as Pamela saw her father, who was wrapped in his military uniform, she couldn’t hold back the tears and the two embraced, causing a beautiful and moving moment. When it was her turn to give her speech, the Thomas & Mack Center erupted in applause when Douglas appeared behind her.
“I was trembling. She couldn’t believe it. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to have my dad here and I’m happy to start a new chapter in life,” Pamela told KTNV.
The viral video of the surprise has since garnered thousands of views, capturing the hearts of many online. The surprise reunion between father and daughter is a testament to the love and sacrifice of military families and the lengths they will go to support each other.
