San Diego-based troops are helping to level ISIS, with about 300 local Marines involved in the fight in Iraq.
Lt. Col. Lance Ferrell is among them.
The Camp Pendleton Marine's family knew 10News reporter Hannah Mullins was going to record a video message for him, so their mom told them to think about what they wanted to say.
Three-year-old Hank is one of three kids keeping her busy. He said, "I love him a lot. I miss him."
"I want him to come back now," five-year-old Emmylou added. "He works in the Marine Corps. He helps other people."
Just when they thought Mullins was about to record their message for dad, she played a video message from him.
"Dad really misses you all," Ferrell said in the video.
With huge smiles on their faces, the kids shouted, "Daddy!"
"I love you so much. I'm so proud of you and very soon I'll be home. I can't wait to see you," Ferrell said.
The kids recorded their message.
"Daddy, I love you," Emmylou said.
"Hi, daddy," six-year-old Georgia added. "I miss you so, so much, and I want you to come home right now."
She said that was an order; "You come back right now!" she added.
In his tiniest voice and with only two words, Hank had a pretty powerful message for his dad: "Thank you."
