A “brounion” of epic proportions was caught on camera, and people across the world can’t seem to get enough of it.
The joyous meeting was between John Taylor and Justin Crockett, two longtime friends who served in the Air Force together in northern Japan from 2012-2015. Having retired from his role as a master sergeant combat medic after 22 years, John hadn’t seen Justin, a chief master sergeant of security forces, for three years. This was a surprise reunion he never saw coming!
“In Japan they struck up a close friendship right away, and my husband really missed his friend,” said John’s wife, Rachel Taylor. “When living thousands of miles away from familiarity, friendships become like family.”
Upon leaving Japan in 2015, the two of them relocated to separate states. John headed to Florida, while Justin moved to Hawaii.
So in 2018, Rachel arranged a special surprise to happen on the same day as John’s college graduation party and her own celebration of retirement from the Air Force after 21 years of service.
“We had a big party to celebrate our accomplishments,” she explained. “Justin happened to be at a training course in Alabama at the same time. He flew into Orlando, rented a car, and surprised John as we were preparing for the party.”
In a heartwarming video, we see Justin sneak up on his former teammate, causing John to drop a case of water in total shock. As John reacts with unbridled joy, the two share a series of giant embraces. Neither of them can help jumping up and down in excitement!
“My husband is the best person to surprise, and he loves his military friends like family,” Rachel said.
The touching clip has warmed the hearts of viewers around the world, even gaining the attention of celebrities like Bart Johnson, who wrote, “Best video I’ve seen in 2021 easily.”
That is a statement we all know to be infinitely true! Watch the incredible reunion in the video below, and share this story with a long-distance friend you can’t wait to tackle in a bear hug.
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