First embrace for a soldier and his family.
/ FOX21: Mike Duran
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Home at last, and just in time for the holidays.
300 soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division coming home Tuesday night.
They mark the final main body of that group to come home after being re-deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in February.
These 300 men and women were responsible for 30 forward operating posts that covered an area roughly the size of Maryland state.
While their contributions in Afghanistan were great they're most excited to be home for the holidays.
Specialist Connor Heath explained, "Our guys did a really good job they kicked butt over in Afghanistan and we deserve a good Christmas."
The anticipation is what makes these homecomings worthwhile. Family members and friends awaiting their loved ones, can't pick just one emotion to describe the feeling.
"Overwhelmed, excited, nervous, happy," Cara Kramer, a soldier's sister explained, "I'm just so glad he's back."
This ceremony especially was symbolic as the Mountain Post has welcomed more than 2,000 soldiers home in December alone.
Specialist Alex Palaniuk explained that while it will be tough to be apart from his fellow soldiers for a while, it feels good to round out the return of the 4th BCT.
"It feels really good," he said, "Personally for our platoon, we were the first ones in there, the first main body, and now the last ones to come out so it feels really good."
A room filled with hugs, kisses and long embraces, this emotional night means a happy holiday season with family and friends for these soldiers.
"After not seeing them for 9 months and everything it's just an amazing feeling to be able to get back with them again," Palaniuk added.
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