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Nothing is sweeter than seeing a soldier or sailor reunited with their family after a long deployment overseas. Embracing each other for the first time can often be a very intimate moment for these families, and one that some service members plan well in advance, making sure to give their loved ones a giant and welcome surprise.

In many cases, it's the first time the entire family has been together in months, perhaps even years. We've rounded up the top 7 surprise military homecomings caught on camera in 2012.

Marine Surprises Sons at East Carolina Football Game

When Josh Ricafrente, a gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, walked out onto the Dowdy-Fricklen football field during the Nov. 3 East Carolina University game after his latest deployment to Afghanistan, he gave his sons, ten-year-old Noah and eight-year-old Elijah, the surprise of their lives.

Navy Reservist Returns, Surprises Son as Darth Vader

Navy Reservist Justin Whyte, 33, of Wichita, Kan., dressed up as Darth Vader to surprise his 5-year-old son for his "Star Wars"-themed birthday party after an intense light saber battle.

Santa Delivers Dad to Soldier's Kids in Surprise Package

Staff Sgt. Joshua Durrer, 31, of Glendale, Ariz., surprised his kids by popping out of a Christmas present delivered by Santa.

Soldier Surprises Family at South Carolina Football Game

Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott Faile returned from South Korea, after completing his third tour of duty, to surprise his family on the South Carolina Gamecock's football field. At a pregame ceremony they were honored as the Columbia Metropolitan Airport's "Military Family of the Game."

Soldier's Homecoming Comes Wrapped for Her Son

Just home from Kuwait, Army Capt. Anne Scott surprised her son, Tyler, a 3rd grader at Deibler Elementary School in Perkasie, Pa.

Soldier's Homecoming Brings Son to Tears

Petty Officer James Ellis shocked his children with his surprise return from Afghanistan as part of a Veterans Day celebration coordinated by their elementary school in Andrews, N.C.

Family Surprises Soldier During Live 'GMA' Interview

A "Christmas miracle" came true on " Good Morning America" Dec. 14 when U.S. Army Capt. Gerardo Garcia was reunited with his family, live on the air, after nearly a year away in Afghanistan.