Tech. Sgt. Vanessa Sidney and her daughter, Anissa, look up at the Jumbotron to watch a surprise video message from husband and father, Tech. Sgt. Marcus Sidney, 12th Security Forces Squadron, who is currently deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Anissa served as the honorary ball girl for the Spurs basketball game during military appreciation night Jan. 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Peterson)

Anissa Sidney, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Marcus Sidney, 12th Security Forces Squadron, passes the official game ball to an official just before tip-off of the Spurs-Nets game on military appreciation night Jan. 23. In addition to being the honorary ball-girl for the game, Anissa's father appeared on the Jumbotron from his deployed location to say hello and deliver an inspiration message to his daughter and wife, Tech. Sgt. Vanessa Sidney. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Peterson)