DES MOINES, Iowa -- A 10-year-old boy got a surprise of a lifetime Tuesday at his Des Moines elementary school.

Related: Airman Surprises Son At School

Zech Reeder, 10, didn't expect his dad home from Iraq until next month, but his family had other ideas.

Zech played his heart out during recess at Brubaker Elementary School. Little did he know what the day would bring.

Zech said he missed not being able to come home and see his dad like he used to.

In class on Tuesday, Zech got down to work with other students.

Above the students' heads hangs a paper chain that numbers the days his father has been away. Zech had no idea his dad, Master Sgt. Mark Reeder, was waiting downstairs to surprise him.

Reeder said he had been gone for so long and he wanted to show up and say, "Here I am."

"I think he's going to be surprised," Reeder said.

As Reeder and other family members made their way to the classroom, Zech's teacher came up with a reason to get Zech out of the room.

Once everyone was in place, they waited.

When Zech entered the classroom, his mouth dropped. He received a bear hug from his father.

Zech, his mother, Faith, and even students shed tears.

Faith Reeder said the return home had been a long time coming.

"He was a big help. He was the man of the house. He grew up a lot when his dad was gone," Zech's mother said.

Reeder was gone for about seven months. He serves in the U.S. Air Force and said he participated in construction projects to help improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens.

"This class has written me two or three times. They're good kids. It's good to be home," Reeder said.

Zech was allowed to leave school early after his dad came to see him.