Nearly a decade ago, Air Force veteran Master Sgt. Michael Maroney rescued a 3-year-old girl during Hurricane Katrina. Time slipped away, but not a day went by that Maroney didn't think about that little girl. Recently, he was finally able to track down LeShay Brown.
They set up to meet in person on the set of talk show The Real, and emotions were running high as the heroic veteran reunited with the now 13-year-old LeShay.
While LeShay admitted to being a little shy and overwhelmed by the whole experience, the veteran expressed how much LeShay had meant to him.
"I wish I could explain to you how important your hug was," a choked up Maroney told LeShay. "That small gesture — it helped me through bad days and dark days. I'm indebted to you. You rescued me more than I rescued you."
LeShay broke down in tears over his sentiments. As both families had been hit with hard times recently (Maroney is injured and cannot currently serve), The Real hosts revealed they had one more surprise for both of them. They were each given a $10,000 check!
After the show, they were able to sit down for an off-camera reunion, and their families plan to stay in touch.
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