SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio (WKBN) -- A Springfield family got the surprise of a lifetime Tuesday, as a soldier returned home for the first time since 2022.

"It's been 993 days since he was in Ohio, so it's really good to have him home," said mother Paula Wonner.

Now, Gavin Wonner set that number to zero. Since June 2022, he's been stationed in Alaska serving in the U.S. Army. He returned home this week for the first time in three years, surprising each of his family members in the process.

"Surprised my mom at school, surprised our class, but I have my dad there, too. Just been surprising all my family," Gavin said.

"I was teaching kindergarten, had a knock at my door and was greeted by my daughter, my sister and my son. I mean, what more could a parent ask for than you?" Paula said.

"I w

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