VIDEO: Back From Afghanistan, Soldier Surprises Son

At the top of Deugray Robinson's Christmas list was a simple request—the energetic 10-year-old at Seven Oaks Elementary School just wanted to spend time with his dad. 

On Friday afternoon, his wish was granted early. 

Chief Warrant Officer 2 James H. Robinson in the U.S. Army, who had been stationed in Afghanistan for nearly a year, surprised his son inside his Perry Hall school near Nottingham, MD.

"I was hoping my No. 1 was here?" Robinson said while entering the fourth-grade classroom. 

Deugray cried out, "Dad? Dad!" before jumping into his father's arms. His father held him for several seconds as the teacher and staff members wiped away tears. 

"It's been a long time and it has been difficult, but I've kept in touch as much as I could," Robinson said. 

"A couple times, we went on Skype, but then he was transferred and we couldn't do it anymore because there was no longer any Internet access," Deugray said. 

Deugray, who was wearing pajamas for the school's Pajama Day, was excited to share his latest news with his father: he just got braces on Thursday. According to his father, he had also grown several inches. 

To Deugray, his father was just as he remembered him. 

Share your thoughts and memories of loved ones serving in the military in the comments.