U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brittni Krill embraces her children Julianna and Brantley. Krill surprised her children and husband, John Krill, Saturday with an unexpected appearance at a party at Butler's American Legion Post 117.

For a week, a soldier who had already returned home from deployment kept up the appearances of remaining overseas.

She faked a flight itinerary. She Facetimed with her Army duffel bag beside her. Army Staff Sgt. Brittni Krill even called her child's teacher to make sure the surprise didn't get ruined by mistake.

Krill was originally meant to return home from deployment on Wednesday, Feb. 12. With the help of friends and family, she planned a party at Butler's American Legion Post 117 for Saturday night. Her husband, John Krill, would come with their two children for what was supposed to be a pregnant family member's gender reveal party.

However, after the party was organized and invitations sent, Brittni Krill's return home dates shifted. Instead of arriving back in Butler just a couple days before the big party, she returned a full week ahead of time. She spent it staying with her parents a few blocks from her real house.

“It feels so good to be home,” Brittni said, holding her 7-year-old daughter Julianna.

Brittni's commitment to the surprise has roots about seven years in the making, when John pulled an identical stunt upon his own return from deployment.

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