The teary surprise reunion happened at lunch – six months after Sgt. Altasia Johnson was called overseas.

“I wanted to make it more special and surprise her,” Johnson said.

Aleya, 13, was staying with her grandparents while her mom was in Afghanistan.

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez