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Local Soldier Surprises Daughter At Graduation 

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A solider deployed overseas gave his daughter a big surprise on Monday.

Staff Sgt. Jose Garcia has been deployed overseas with the Army for four years, but he made it home just in time for his daughter's high school commencement ceremony.

So when Samantha Garcia stepped off the stage with her diploma and saw her dad, they shared one long hug.

"I couldn't talk," she said turning to her dad. "I love you and thank you for being here what a great surprise."

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Staff Sgt. Garcia has been in Afghanistan, Iraq and Germany since Samantha was 14.

Now four years later, she's all grown up

"It's a big moment to me right now. I just can't believe it," he said,

Staff Sgt. Garcia waited back stage during the graduation. He said it was his wife's idea.

"I was surprised, very surprised, but I kind of had an idea though because I know my family," said Samantha.

Right now Staff Sgt. Garcia is stationed in Georgia, so for a while he'll be able to visit more frequently. He heads back up to Georgia on Wednesday, giving them plenty of time to catch up.

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