This is the story of two brothers: one a marine, one an incredible athlete. Bailey and Meyers Leonard were inseparable after their father passed away when they were kids.
But in 2008, big brother Bailey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. The revelation left Meyers devastated. With Bailey deployed in Afghanistan, he couldn't watch his brother's dreams unfold.
Meyers, standing at 7 foot 1 inches, is an exceptional athlete. In 2012, Meyers was a part of The Big Ten, a college basketball conference. Bailey hadn't seen his brother in 2 years.
While Meyers was practicing, Bailey did the unthinkable. Like soldier Stephanie Patterson, who surprised her brother on graduation day, Bailey got on a plane and flew to Illinois to surprise his baby brother.
This is a soldier surprise unlike any other. Meyers breaks down in the middle of the basketball court. The big brother who was a father figure to him, had come home, even if it was just for a few days.
Today, Meyers' dreams are fully realized. He plays for the Portland Trailblazers in the NBA. It's pretty clear that he couldn't have done it without Bailey.
See their incredible journey below.
Meyers and Bailey Leonard were as close as any two brothers can be. Bailey was just 22 months older than Meyers, but after their father died, Bailey was more of a father figure.
"The bond that we have is very strong. Our father passed away when Meyers was only six years old. Despite me only being 22 months older than Meyers, I like to think of myself as somewhat of a father figure to him," Bailey says.
"After our father passed away me, Meyers, and my mom, the three of us, slept on the living room floor, with blankets and candles, no electricity, no water, no furniture. With hardship and getting through hardship, that only brings people closer together," Bailey remembers.
"I joined the Marine Corp. August of 2008, that was the day I left for bootcamp."
"It was just a shock to me, I went into my room and cried. I had never not had my brother," Meyer said in a 2011 interview. "Now that he's in Afghanistan fighting for our country everyday. He's in the line of duty but he has always been there for me."
See Bailey give Meyers a tear-jerking surprise below!
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