Navy Grandpa Surprises 'Little Buddy' At Tulsa School

A little boy got a big surprise when his Grandfather walked into a school program. Navy Commander Don Bailey has been in Iraq for a year. He arrived home just in time to spend the holidays with his family.

Don Bailey says his 5-year-old grandson Christopher is his little buddy. He says surprising him Wednesday during the school's program to celebrate Grandparent's Day, "means everything."

Kindergartner Christopher Bailey files in to the gym of Augustine Christian Academy. There's excitement in the air. Some buzz because it's Grandparents day, and the kids have worked hard on their program.

But there's a lot of excitement for little Christopher who has no idea what is in store for him.

"I'm anxious to see how he'll react. He's either going to tackle me or he's going to freeze up. He's just that way," said Don Bailey, Navy Commander.

Christopher's Grandfather is hiding in a back room. Bailey is just home from Iraq. The two have kept in touch through Skype. But the screen can't hug you back.

"It was really hard for him when he left. He was crying almost every night wanting to see Grandpa and knowing he was in harm's way and being gone for a year," said Donna Bailey, Christopher's Mother.

A quick hello and a prayer, the presentation of the school's flag and Christopher is still none-the-wiser. But when Commander Bailey walks in with the red white and blue, realization hits him.

Christopher can't get his arms around his grandpa fast enough. The audience cheers. The program continues. Christopher's happy smile is infectious. He's clearly thrilled that his Grandparent's Day was made that much more special.

"He'll have that memory to stay with him. To tell his grandkids that this is what my Grandpa did when I was 5-years-old, Donna Bailey said.

"Tell them how much you love me. As big as the whole universe. That's big. I love you just as much. Good to see you," Christopher told his grandpa.

The family is flying to Denver Wednesday to spend the Thanksgiving holiday together. Commander Bailey will retire from the Navy in June after serving 37 years. He says he's looking forward to spending a lot more time with his grandson.