Video: Soldier uses R2-D2 to surprise family

BANGOR, Maine (CNN/WABI) - While Lt. Commander Dustin Smiley is deployed overseas, his wife and kids invited a surprise guest to fill his seat at the dinner table.

This unique guest was able to bring along a special message.

The creator of an R2-D2 replica, Paul Bussiere, pulled a few strings and was able to bring Lt. Commander Smiley to life in his own living room.

"At first, when it was all still shaping into dad, I was like, 'what is going on?' Then, I realized, 'Oh, my gosh. That's dad,'" said Owen Smiley.

Bussier took a video clip provided by Lt. Commander Smiley, fashioned it into a hologram design, and projected it through R2-D2, almost like a scene from "Star Wars."