Soldiers Home After Year In Afghanistan
A hero's welcome greeted more than 100 soldiers Saturday. Members of the 377th's Military Police Company returned to Cincinnati after spending the past year in Afghanistan.
A lot happens in a year. Some of the soldiers became fathers, others missed their children's birthdays. Some soldiers left behind spouses and fiances.
Those moments were forgotten, replaced by the love found in those very first hugs at the Woodrow High School homecoming ceremony.
"He's coming home and I can't wait," said Debbie Pegoli who was waiting for her son.
Byron Wilber's birthday present arrived early. His wife asked him what he wanted as a present and he said his son.
"My birthday's Monday. He's going to be home," he said.
Families and friends gathered with posters, flags and cameras waiting.
Together, those left behind waited for their loved ones to return. One by one the soldiers stepped onto Cincinnati soil. One last time they stood as a unit, walked as a unit, listened to their commanders as a unit. Then, "377th, dismissed."
For the first time in months, families hugged, fathers kissed their babies and spouses embraced.
"It feels awesome to be back home," said one soldier, "Just to feel the love coming off, honestly, you can't put it into words."
Many soldiers looked forward to the simple things - relaxing, eating dinner with their families and returning to their homes.
The 377th MP Company is with the Army Reserves.
