A lot of hugs and lots of tears Norman as 33 members of the 45th Infantry Brigade arrived home, finished with their service in Afghanistan.
They were welcomed home with a standing ovation and a room full of smiles and tears.
These soldiers have spent months serving in Afghanistan.
They're now home as part of the effort to reduce the number of troops in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant Colonel Max Moss said, "These soldiers cover a wide spectrum of what the brigade does in Afghanistan. They have every different occupational specialty."
After a very short ceremony, they were released into the arms of their loved ones, a joyous occasion.
Amanda Flowers said, "I don't know how to describe it, best Christmas present ever."
For many, it's hard to believe this day is here.
Holly Foley, whose husband came home, said, "I was writing him a letter last night because I've written him every day since he's been gone, and I just said I feel like I should be more excited but it doesn't seem real yet."
She and her husband are looking forward to starting their life together.
Married just over a year ago, they have spent more time apart than together.
Each soldier is excited about the chance to spend more time with the people they love.
Amanda said, "We bought a house while he was on leave so he finally gets to stay in his new home."
As of now, this is their final trip home from Afghanistan.
They're not currently scheduled to ever return.
Returning soldier Sergeant Jeff Flowers said, "Knowing that you don't have to do anything else, that you are pretty much done, it's a big burden that's relieved."
The nearly nine-year battle cost 4,500 American lives and more than $800 billion, and left another 32,00 U.S. service members wounded. More than 100,000 Iraqis were killed in the conflict.
While this group was rather small considering the number troops currently in Afghanistan, the more than 2,100 other members of the 45th serving in Afghanistan are all expected to return around March of 2012.
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