Watch Minnesota Soldier’s Surprise Onstage Reunion With Stepdaughter at Chanhassen Theatre

A Minnesota soldier gave his stepdaughter the surprise of a lifetime on Friday night at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.

According to the video posted to X on Saturday, Sgt. Tony Bryand, fresh off a 10-month deployment in Kuwait, orchestrated a heartfelt reunion with his nine-year-old stepdaughter, Jenalia, during a special moment on stage.

Jenalia, who plays Susan Waverly in the theater's production of White Christmas, believed she was part of a preshow gesture to honor the emcee, Nancy Nelson, for her work anniversary.

With flowers in hand, she stepped on stage and addressed the audience, saying, “On behalf of the theater, Nancy, we would all like to thank you for all you do!”

The heartwarming moment that follows might move you to tears.

Nelson responded with a cue Jenalia didn’t expect: “You should have them, and I know someone who wants to give them to you, darling. Turn around!”

As Jenalia turned, she came face-to-face with Sgt. Bryand, who had quietly made his way onto the stage. The moment the two embraced, the crowd erupted in applause.

In an interview with Kare11, Sgt. Bryand shared his deep bond with Jenalia and the challenges of being away from his family.

“Me and her have had a really good bond since I’ve come into her life,” he said. Reflecting on his time away, Bryand admitted, “Me being gone is a big change, really hard on her. Hard on me.”

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Sgt. Bryand’s return couldn’t have come at a better time with the holidays just around the corner, a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices military families make and the joy that comes with being together again.

Watch the heartwarming reunion below: