It was a hero’s welcome. On Tuesday, a Marine surprised his sister, who he hasn't seen in more than two years.
It was a typical Tuesday for 16-year-old Amandalyn Christian in her Junior NROTC class.
Until an unexpected visitor showed up at the door: Amandalyn's older brother, Marine Corporal William Christian. Friends call him Tyler.
They haven't seen each other since he left for a naval base in Arizona in December 2013.
“I was like is that Tyler because it's been so long,” said Amandalyn, a junior at Palm Beach Gardens High School. “It's been two years.”
Cpl. William Christian, added, “I was a little shaken a little minute ago going in there,” he said. “It's pretty exciting to see her.”
Their mom contacted the school to arrange the surprise.
“I didn't know this was happening,” said Amandalyn. “I thought he was coming in Friday.”
Amandalyn aspires to be an orthopedic surgeon and cosmetologist. She says Tyler's more than her big brother, he's her inspiration.
“[He] taught me to be more dedicated to what i really want to be, and do what i have to do to be something,” said Amandlyn.
Tyler will be home for the next three weeks.
