ALUM BRIDGE -- Students at Alum Bridge Elementary School thought they were gathering outside to dedicate their new playground Thursday, but a special guest surprised them instead, and sent three of the kids running.

"I knew that they missed him and I know that they love him and look up to him. The hardest thing is to say goodbye and the happiest is to welcome him home," says Melissa Adams, Sergeant Jovar Adams' wife.

U.S. Army Supply Sergeant Jovar Adams has been in Afghanistan for 15 months, and his three children welcomed him home with open arms.

"I'm like "Is that my mom and dad? I looked again and it was my mom and my dad and I came over here and ran!'" says nine year old Jovar Adams, Jr.

"I was really, really worried and I was getting carried away sometimes and I really missed him," says eight year old Dometris Adams.

"I missed his snuggles!" says Preshus Adams, who is six years old.

Elected officials and veterans thanked Adams for his service.

Sergeant Adams says he's just happy to be home with his family.

"You come home, and you've got your boys looking up to everything you do. So I'm extremely happy to be back and be a part of what they do," says Adams.

Aside from seeing their family reunited, it's an extra-special day for Adams and his wife, too:

"Today's our 10th anniversary!" says Melissa Adams.

To end the ceremony, Jovar, Jr. sang his dad "American Soldier" by Toby Keith and students released balloons in Sergeant Adams honor.