MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota soldier who has been overseas for nearly a year has surprised his children at their school.

U.S. Army aviation operation specialist Jacob Martinez had an emotional reunion with his children Monday at Hale Community School in Minneapolis. Martinez arrived in Minnesota on Saturday after serving in Iraq and Kuwait.

According to a press release, when their dad walked into their classrooms, son Jaden, a second-grader, and twin daughters Ariana and Kaylee, both in kindergarten, reacted in stunned silence.

Jaden said he was “surprised and happy” that his father was back. The children didn’t expect to see their father until later this summer.

The children’s teachers helped organize the big surprise.