Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard returned home Wednesday after nine months serving in Afghanistan.
Families and loved ones anxiously awaited their arrival at Mitchell International Airport. This return included 35 soldiers from the West Bend based Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation.
"It's been a long nine months but happy to have him home," said Jennifer Fry, who welcomed home her husband Chief Warrant Officer 2 Doug Fry.
This specific unit of soldiers conducted Medevac operations, transporting patients to receive medical care.
"Whether that's coalition forces or U.S. forces, they've been very busy in Afghanistan these past nine months," said Capt. Joe Trovato, a spokesman with the Wisconsin National Guard.
He also said they make sure to give the soldiers a very warm welcome.
"This is to us one of the most important things we can do," said Trovato. "Recognize these soldiers who have gone into harm's way on our behalf."
Sgt. August Hohl says the last 20 minutes waiting on the airplane were the hardest.
"Just want to get home and see her and be with the rest of kids and family," he said, standing with his fiancee Alicia Fuchs.
"A lot of people say it went fast, I don't think it went fast at all," she said. "Glad he's home."
