Sailor Surprises Girlfriend At Wall Restaurant After Months Away [VIDEO]

WALL, NJ — Rachel Murray had been counting the days, waiting for the return of her boyfriend, Spencer Arnold, from his eight-month tour of duty in Texas with the U.S. Navy.

Murray's count was a little off, however. As she sat at the Applebee's in Wall Township with family earlier this month, chatting away, the waiter came to the table with the Howell woman's meal.

Only this was no Applebee's waiter — it was Arnold, armed with balloons and flowers as well as her plate. As Murray looked up, her surprised reaction was priceless.

Arnold, of Manasquan, is part of the Navy's hospital corps, and had been stationed at Fort Sam Houston for eight months, according to a news release from the restaurant, which helped pull off the surprise as part of its Serving Those That Have Served program, which was created to honor active military returning home from duty.

Applebee’s hosted Arnold’s family and friends for a complementary welcome- home dinner including a special homecoming menu along with non-alcoholic beverage options, courtesy of the restaurant, to thank him for his service.

Arnold is awaiting assignment to his next duty station, which could be overseas, according to the news release.

Those interested in scheduling a welcome-home party for a military member returning home from duty can speak with a manager at their local Applebee’s. Parties must be booked within 30 days of returning from overseas deployment, and valid documentation must be provided in order to be eligible for participation in the program.

Rachel Murray of Howell and her boyfriend, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Spencer Arnold of Manasquan, pose for photos after Arnold surprised her at Applebee's in Wall earlier this month. Photo provided by Applebee's