A military wife and mother got the surprise of a lifetime and it happened just in time for Mother's Day.

Robin Schoolfield was on stage in Washington, D.C. about to receive the Lockheed Martin Military Motherhood award, but as she joked with the presenter that her husband could not make the event, he appeared at the side door.

Her husband, Marine Corps Maj. Samuel Schoolfield, has been serving in Afghanistan.

"I thought the chances of being able to do this were so remote, I didn't want to tell Robin I might be able to come home then disappoint her," he told an Arlington, Va. television station.

Schoolfield's parents and sister submitted her name for the award. She won for her charitable work, her drive to further her education, and her caring for the family's four children while their father is away. Also as a part of Robin's award, the Schoolfield family will be able to spend two weeks together at their North Carolina home.

"It's been a long, long war," she said. "We're happy to support him. We believe in his mission, but it's great to have him home."