Soldier plans holiday homecoming surprise for mom in Northeast Philadelphia

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA -- A soldier from Northeast Philadelphia who has been stationed in Alaska secretly flew home and surprised his mother Sunday night, just in time for the holidays.

The family says there wasn't a dry eye around as Sean Staskel showed up during a holiday party.

As he walked up to his surprised mom, the DJ started playing "God Bless the USA."

It all happened at Katie O'Donnell's Irish Pub on the 4500 block of Woodhaven Road.

The family tells Action News that Sean's dad, sister and best friend helped plan the big surprise.

Sean is a recent graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School and has been stationed in Alaska since June.

He's now home until the end of the month before returning to duty.