WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) — Lucas Tobalsky, a hometown hero and an airman for the United States just hoping to come home for the holiday.

“I was supposed to like phase up so I can go home and when they told us we’re able to go home it was like a shocker,” Lucas.

His girlfriend Elizabeth Metz, having no idea what was about to happen, ran alongside Lucas’s sister Hayley in the Annual East Bay Turkey Trot. “We thought since he can’t be here for the race we will just run it and support him and show our support from Wisconsin,” said Elizabeth.

Filled with adrenaline and ready to run she said, “I’m super excited, it always feels so great to be able to know that you’re going into thanksgiving dinner after you already ran in the morning.”

The two met at age four, Elizabeth was best friends with his sister. When they were in high school they started dating, they have been together ever since, and to this day she’s a proud girlfriend.

“We’re really proud of him and we can’t wait to see him at Christmas,” said Elizabeth. But Christmas, came early this year.

“She doesn’t know I’m coming back she thought I was in class yesterday,” said Lucas. Little did she know, after months apart, Lucas only had one question in mind.

“Elizabeth Kay Metz will you marry me?” said Lucas. “Are you serious?” said Elizabeth.

From boyfriend and girlfriend to the future Mr. and Mrs.

Now Lucas and Elizabeth are looking forward to a bright future and the rest of their lives.