For many girls and women, daddy-daughter dances are a part of growing up. There are many happy memories to be had during school dances, and it’s a terrific chance to bond with your father. But what is a girl to do if she lacks a father? A large group of soldiers and servicemembers stepped forward to make one little girl’s night memorable.

Cayleigh Hinton was just four years old when her father died in a military training accident. She had no one to accompany her to her school’s impending daddy-daughter dance without her father. This was a memorable occasion for many families, and her mother was unsure what to do.

So she requested that someone from the National Guard take her daughter to the dance. She and her late husband had long discussed this moment, and she was determined to make it happen for her.

When First Sergeant Joseph Bierbrodt saw the request, he felt up to the challenge.
From his point of view, «it had to be done.» He elaborated further to ABC 7 Chicago, saying:

«It wasn’t even a choice for me.» It is an honor for me to be able to accomplish this for her.»

Sergeant Bierbrodt approved the request and began making plans to make it a memorable night for Cayleigh.

Sergeant Bierbrodt had never met the family. He simply felt it was the proper thing to do, and he wanted to make Cayleigh’s night as spectacular as possible.

As a father, he knew that if the opportunity arose, he would want someone to do this for his daughters. According to the Chicago Tribune, he says:

«It is a huge honor for me to be able to do this.» We never forget those who have left, nor do we abandon their families.»

He also brought some wonderful gifts. He arrived with a bunch of flowers, as any gentleman would. He also gave his date a teddy bear and a pet dog that his own daughters had adored.

Sergeant Bierbrodt was not acting alone. A large group of people collaborated.

In addition to a limo to transport the couple to the dance, a large group of service members gathered to accompany them. The Patriot Guard, police, and firefighters, as well as Sergeant Bierbrodt and Cayleigh, arrived at the Our Lady of Humility School, where the dance was being held.

And Cayleigh got the royal treatment that night. She was dressed to the nines with sparkling heels, a party dress, and a cape to go with it. She even had a corsage to go with her gown.

Despite the sparkle and glamour, there was still time to pay tribute to Cayleigh’s father.

Cayleigh made the opportunity on her special day to commemorate her father. He had planned to take her to a daddy-daughter dance someday, but they never found the time. Cayleigh’s mother, Jillian Hinton, claims her small daughter had him with her in spirit.

«He’s certainly present in spirit.» Cayleigh was talking to him while getting dressed, and I’m sure she has him with her tonight.»

Cayleigh and Sergeant Bierbrodt spent the entire night dancing in the school gymnasium, and they left with some very precious memories. Cayleigh made sure to dance with every officer who was accompanying her because she was escorted to the dance by other military members and firefighters.