Army Sgt. Hinton, who had served in Afghanistan and Kuwait, died in a military truck crash in Hawaii three weeks after Cayleigh’s fifth birthday last year, according to Cayleigh’s mom, Jillian, as quoted in the Chicago Tribune.
Not wanting Cayleigh to miss out Illinois National Guard 1st Sgt. Joseph Bierbrodt stepped in for the big day.
Cayleigh was excited to be able to go, although not having her dad there was difficult. Instead, she took it as an opportunity to celebrate her father.
“This was a very special day, because we’re celebrating my dad,” Cayleigh told WBBM Chicago.
Sgt. Bierbrodt wasn’t the only one there to support Cayleigh. Firefighters, police officers, and other Patriot Guard members all showed up as well. Cayleigh was treated like a princess as she arrived in a limo with a bouquet of flowers.
“Military is a family to me,” Sgt. Bierbrodt said. “Without a doubt, it’s an honor to be able to do something like this for another soldier.”
Watch the video below to see the two dancing together. Seeing Cayleigh dance with her feet on Sgt. Joseph’s is a beautiful sight!
[arve url=”https://www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard/videos/10156412699661686/” /]
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