When military families are separated due to deployment, it is usually a so difficult period.
It’s especially difficult for small ones.
They are still having trouble processing and comprehending the situation.

Young children are more vulnerable to struggle with changes in family relations because they do not understand deployment.”
Kids may need emotional support that they are loved, safe, and that they did not cause the parent’s leave,” Amy Lorin, psychotherapist and editor-in-chief of Very Well Family, noted.

They may feel alone, empty, or both.

The deployment of Staff Sergeant Rob Cesternino was highly painful for his six children, particularly his youngest son, 9-year-old Luca Cesternino.

It’s fortunate that they were able to encourage him to participate in a sport that will allow him to concentrate his emotions and energies into something productive.

These taekwondo training also helped him gain confidence.

Sgt. Cesterino takes advantage of his taekwondo lessons.

Staff Sgt. Cesternino used to surprise his son with taekwondo sessions when he returned home after a 10-month deployment.

Staff Sgt. Cesternino is a member of the Tennessee National Guard who served for ten months in Syria and Jordan.

It’s not the same as being physically together, even though they’ve maintained in touch via video or phone calls on a regular basis.

That was one of the reasons he was so eager to surprise his son and his family.

Cesterino teams up with a taekwondo coach.

Luca’s instructor informed him that a particular activity would help him “strengthen his reaction speeds and instinctive reactions.”

Luca must also be blindfolded in order for the action to go effectively.

The blindfold isn’t necessary, but he can’t look at his sparring partners because that would ruin the surprise.

Luca had done well against the first two sparring partners, but the third intrigued him.

The third sparring partner continued calling him a nickname that he had only ever heard from one person.

Is it possible that it’s his father? “Daddy?” Luca asked as he came to a standstill. He dropped his blindfold and gloves.

And when he raised his eyes, he found his father standing directly in front of him!

He leapt to his feet and embraced his father warmly. That’s a total of ten months of hugs!

I’m still crying because it was so emotional and remarkable. We are so proud of you, Sargent! “Many thanks…” Cecilie Noble expressed herself.

Tami Vanderwilt shared, “The wide-eyed look of incredulity before he goes in for the embrace…my heart is a puddle of melted butter.”

Alan Williams agreed, “This is the most beautiful video I have ever seen, my eyes are leaking big time.”

See Sgt. Cesterino’s emotional moment with his little boy in the video below!