A college student sprinted with delight when the raffle prize he won at his local Christian group was a surprise reunion with his soldier sister after 10 months apart.
Josh Pohl, 19, from Michigan, has an extremely close bond with his sister, Audrey, 24, a sergeant with the United States Army National Guard.
Audrey had been based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for almost a year, so she had not seen Josh in person since June of 2023.
But when she received the news that she was set to come home, Audrey knew she needed to plan a surprise for her younger brother.
Her fiancé is the leader at a local Young Life group that Josh attends, and so the pair came up with the idea of having Josh win the group’s weekly raffle draw.
Josh was told he was the winner at the group’s meeting at Grand Valley State University, Michigan, so he was called to stand in front of the group.
During this time, an excited Audrey crouched outside the door to the room, waiting for her cue.
Then, when Josh was told what his prize was, he ran through the hall into his sister’s arms.
READ MORE: Lunchtime Surprise! Soldier Dad Reunites with Sons at School
Audrey said: “My brother’s reaction was amazing.
“I didn’t expect him to run all the way to me – I thought it was very sweet, and I loved it.
“I loved everyone else’s reactions too.
“Some of my friends were crying over the sweet moment. It was perfect.”