A returning soldier snuck into the frame as his family were posing for a photo in Hacienda Heights, California.

Brandon McGee is seen posing just over his unsuspecting mother's shoulder as she poses for a photo with her daughter on October 20.

As Lilian takes a look at the picture she notices her son behind her and instantly turns around to hug him.

Kasandra McGee, the filmer, said: "Due to COVID the family was unable to attend his graduation for BMT. The boy and his mother Lilian McGee are very close, she hasn't been able to see him for seven months.

"He was finally assigned a station and was able to come home first before going so the family took this opportunity to surprise his mother.

"She had no idea that her son was coming down. She was surprised and had tears of joy."

A soldier left for the Air Force at the beginning of this pandemic in April 2020 Due to COVID the family was unable to attend his graduation for BMT The boy and his mother Lilian McGee were very close He is his only boy and the youngest sibling of 3 she hasnt been able to see him for 7 months He was finally assigned a station and was able to come home first before going so the family took this opportunity to surprise the mother She had no idea that her son was coming down She was surprised and had tears of joyName Kasandra McGeeLocation Hacienda Heights CA USAdditional information Soldier - Brandon McGee