The Esthen Exchangefirst day of school can be a mix of jitters and excitement for kids, but a soldier in Ohio made sure it was pure joy for his 7-year-old son.

Sgt. Perry Chronister, a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, had been deployed in the Middle East for almost a year.

So when the school mascot strolled into Eli's second-grade classroom, the young boy had no idea it was his dad hiding inside the costume.

"It was overwhelming for me, and it was so many different emotions," said Chronister. "I was fighting back tears. I was just so happy."

When he got his return date, Chronister kept it under wraps for this special moment. And it didn't disappoint.

"It was the best day ever," said Eli.

Watch Eli's reaction when he realizes his dad is behind the mask in the video below.

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