Army veteran Frankie Sanchez Sr. gave his son a hug to celebrate the younger Sanchez's graduation from Air Force basic military training.

But this was no ordinary hug.

After 23 years in the Army, Sanchez was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, according to an article by Task and Purpose. Although the condition, which affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, had left Sanchez confined to a wheelchair, Sanchez rose from his seat to tap his son out of attention.
 
Sanchez's son graduated May 28 from Air Force basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Having been in the emergency room following a respiratory issue the day prior, Sanchez was concerned he would miss the graduation ceremony entirely. 

The embrace was a highly emotional moment, according to Task and Purpose.

"It was the most beautiful and memorable event I've ever witnessed in my life," Sanchez's wife, Christy, wrote on Facebook. "I will never forget it as long as I live."

Due to the incurable disease's rapid progression, the family has struggled with bills. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family offset the cost.

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