John La Giglia, Chicago Soldier, Returns Home, Surprises Daughter For Holidays (VIDEO)

Soldier Returns Home, Surprises Daughter For The Holidays

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

A local soldier delivered a long-awaited holiday surprise to his six-year-old daughter Friday: Himself.

Army Staff Sgt. John La Giglia, 29, of Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, surprised his daughter Grace with a visit to her classroom at Sutherland Elementary School Friday morning. La Giglia, a 10-year veteran, has served the past year in Afghanistan, NBC Chicago reports.

"I've been all around the world, and there's nothing like the South Side of Chicago," La Giglia said of arriving home, according to NBC.

In addition to his service in Afghanistan, La Giglia also served one year in Iraq.

He had not been due back home until sometime in the new year, but the soldier described being able to sleep in his own bed at home as a true Christmas miracle.

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