Little Karis Oglesby was just two years old when she raced, open-armed towards the line of soldiers standing stoically at attention.

No one was expecting her to do it, but no one stopped her either.

The adorable little girl dressed in stars and stripes with sparkly gold boots couldn't contain her glee as she raced towards her father, 1st Lt. Daniel Oglesby. It was a touching sight for all as she wrapped her tiny arms around his legs and he bent down to hug and kiss her.

It had been more than eight months since he had seen his wife, Kristine, little Karis and her older sister, Layla.

Kristine told Today that she and the girls had read the book, "Lily Hates Goodbyes," which is about a little girl who's dad departs on deployment. At the end of the story, when her father returns, the girl runs to give him a big hug.

Although both girls had talked about giving their dad a big hug when he returned, Kristine didn't expect Karis to do it during the ceremony.

It was a surprising and touching moment for everyone who witnessed it.

"That's the toughest part of the entire job is to be away from the family," said 1st Lt. Oglesby, "Having that reunion, it doesn't make up for the lost time, but it's definitely a sweet moment to finally be able to see them and embrace them again."

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