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Navy Dad, Delivered by Santa, Surprises Kids for Christmas

He had spent six months at sea aboard the U.S.S. Iwo Jima

Christmas is a time for family. But not everyone makes it home for the holidays — especially those serving in our military.

That's why Thursday was so special for U.S. Navy Yeoman Jose Trevino, of Haslet, Texas. With 11 years of service, including the last six months at sea, he wasn't sure if he would be home until next year.

So, when he found out that he would be home in time for the holidays, he wanted to surprise his kids at their school.

As 8-year-old Barissa Trevino was performing in a holiday talent show at Schluter Elementary School, her dad was getting into a giant box, wrapped like a Christmas gift. Santa Claus wheeled the gift out in front of the entire school audience, where principal Amy Howell invited Barissa, brother Jacob and sister Nea to take a look inside.

What happened next left hardly a dry eye in the building.

Trevino popped out of the box, hugging his children tight, as wife Elsa looked on, smiling.

"Seeing my oldest start to cry, it was hard," he said. "It was emotional. I had to hold it in, show that dads don't cry."

Jacob told his mom he wanted two things for Christmas: Legos, and his father to come home. That prayer was answered.

"I'm so glad that their dream came true," Elsa Trevino said.

Jose Trevino spent six months at sea aboard the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. Now he will have two weeks to enjoy Christmas with his family, before heading back to duty.

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