When Brandon Larkin, a student at Catasauqua Middle School, visited Chick-fil-A on MacArthur Road in Whitehall March 12, he thought he was there for his 13th birthday party.

As part of the festivities, Brandon had his picture taken with Doodles, the restaurant’s cow mascot. He had no idea his father, Peter Larkin, was actually the person wearing the mascot costume.

Peter had just returned from Kuwait to give his son a true birthday surprise.

Peter, a sergeant first class in the Army Reserves, has spent the past 10 months overseas, away from his family. As a platoon sergeant, Larkin’s job is to train soldiers on operating military vehicles.

“Brandon was shocked and didn’t realize it was his father at first,” said Julia Larkin, Brandon’s mother and an employee of Chick-fil-A.

She was unable to hold back her emotions at the sight of her son’s and husband’s reunion.

“I cried in love and happiness,” Julia said.

Also in attendance were friends, family, co-workers and Chick-fil-A owner John Velarde.

Peter will get to spend the next couple of years at home with his family.

Now that he is home, Julia said they are planning to spend time together as a “complete family” and take a mini-vacation to Gatlinburg, Tenn.