Getting to graduate is always a special occasion, but it means even more for one Georgia solider who was able to join his fellow graduates in walking across the stage.
Lt. Daniel McLaughlin had enrolled in Kennesaw State University's masters of science and information technology, not knowing that he would soon be deployed to Afghanistan.
The Georgia Army National Guardsman didn't let that stop him from getting his degree, as he completed the full program online while serving his country.
Initially, McLaughlin, who is currently going through the demobilization process, didn't think he would be home in time enough to participate in the commencement ceremony and get his degree in person - until a stroke of luck.
"There just happened to be a cargo flight out that myself and another solider were able to jump out on," he explained.
Photos: Returning Georgia soldier gets to walk in KSU graduation
Once he landed, his command staff at Fort Stewart approved McLaughlin a 48-hour pass for him to be able to walk with his fellow graduates, including another special one - his brother, who is also a veteran earning his master's degree.
"It's really a great feeling to be here today - a culmination of hard work," McLaughlin told 11Alive before the graduation ceremony. "Just to be able to walk across the stage as a sense of accomplishment is really great."
McLaughlin - who also attended KSU for undergrad - said he will have to head back to Fort Stewart to get cleared before being able to head home mid-August. After that, he'll head back to his role at GE.
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