Broken Arrow Dad Comes Home From Military To Surprise His Daughter

A Broken Arrow family is together again after their dad came back from serving in the military.

Petty Officer First Class Carlos Olivares surprised his daughters on Wednesday morning during a ceremony, where one was getting an award.

Karelis Olivares thought the ceremony was to recognize her artwork and receive her plaque, but she had no idea it was also to welcome her dad home.

"Moments like this, they are priceless,” Carlos said.

Carlos said it all started when he heard his daughter Karelis won the City of Broken Arrow Utilities Department’s annual art contest.

"So that's when I started thinking, I should surprise them,” Carlos said.

The 14-year-old's artwork is displayed on an electrical box on a corner of New Orleans Square. City leaders presented her with a plaque. Little did Karelis and her sister know, their dad was home.

"I was shocked. I wasn't waiting for this, and it took me by surprise,” Karelis said.

Carlos has served in the Navy for 20 years. For nearly half of that time, he's been away from his family with only short visits in between.

With him now stationed in San Diego, Karelis said she hasn't seen him since May.

"I was really happy because at least I get to spend some time with him more since he's been away for like nine years,” Karelis said.

He walked up behind her during the presentation. The city manager announced a special guest, and she turned around to see him.

"Every time I come, excited to see them, to be able to spend as much time as we can with them,” Carlos said.

A presentation to honor Karelis and celebrate her artwork turned into a memory that will last forever. Her family is reunited again.

"I cannot express how happy and proud I feel about them,” Carlos said.