The Boston Celtics helped a soldier surprise his loved ones in an emotional homecoming in the middle of a game.
Staff Sergeant Matthew Noll – a member of the Air Force National Guard – was away from his family for seven months, when he and the team secretly arranged for his mother, father, sister, brother, and a cousin to be in the stands when he walked out onto the court at halftime.
His parents were, of course, shocked to see him after seven months away. His father raised both fists in the air when he saw his son, while his mother looked to be in disbelief and burst into tears.
Matthew, who was a teacher before entering the military, offered hugs all around as the stadium – including star player Isaiah Thomas – applauded his return.