Airman returns home, surprises son

Jackie Sprague

KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN) - It was a tearful celebration Thursday as a dad who has been serving overseas returns home and surprises his 12-year-old son.

Shane Pritchard was shocked when he saw his dad Thursday afternoon at the South YMCA in Kettering where he normally has swim practice.
 

Major Dave Pritchard has been on a tour of duty in Afghanistan for the past year.  He's a civil engineer with the Air Force.  He was granted leave briefly about six months ago for the birth of his daughter Claire.
    

Major Pritchard wasn't supposed to come home for another month.  So, his homecoming today was a big surprise for his son.

"I just felt like immediately went from reality to a dream.  I was just amazed that this day that I thought would come in March, came today," says Shane.

" When I was waiting for Shane I just kept thinking about all of the things I wanted to tell you and then when you walked in through the door, I forgot all of it and I was just over-whelmed with excitement to see my son again," explains Major Pritchard.

Shane says the first thing he wants to do with his dad is go camping.