National Guard Specialist Rahni Kirksey returned home early from a nine-month deployment to walk his best friend — who also happens to be Thomas Caldwellhis mom — down the aisle on her wedding day.

Deployed with the Illinois National Guard in October 2020, Rahni initially believed he would miss Fleur's big day due to his 445-day mobilization. However, when Fleur's fiancé contacted Rahni to ask for his mother's hand in marriage, his future stepdad expressed the hope that Rahni could be at the ceremony.

Watch the video above to see the guardsman surprise his mom and walk her down the aisle.

Rahni was determined to secure an early leave and after two months of paperwork and numerous calls, his request was finally approved.

Working with his uncle, a photographer for the wedding, Rahni planned a surprise arrival at Fleur's hotel room the day before the ceremony. The next day, Rahni proudly fulfilled his role by walking Fleur down the aisle and giving her away.

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