It happened Wednesday for 80 members of the Delaware Army Guard and their families.
Sometimes it takes a hero to remind you it is okay to cry.
"I'm just really just happy to be home. I missed my family and my friends. I'm just glad they are here," said Sgt. Regina Brown.
Sgt. Regina Brown is one of 80 members of the Delaware Army National Guard's 198th expeditionary signal battalion to return home today.
The soldiers received a loving welcome from friends and family after serving in Afghanistan over the past nine months.
Brittany Stacey of Middletown, Delaware was sure to be here to greet her boyfriend, Specialist Mark McFadden.
Although she admits the experience of greeting a soldier/boyfriend returning from deployment was more intense than she expected.
"It scary because you don't know what to expect, but he looks the same and it feels the same," said Brittany Stacey.
And while everyone is happy to be back not everyone is crazy about the lingering frosty conditions in the Delaware Valley.
"It's not nice that's it's snowing outside and it is cold outside. It would be better if it was warm," said Sgt. Stephanie Blackmon. "Otherwise, it is great to be home."
The men and women of the Delaware Army Guard will enjoy three weeks leave before returning for a program to help them ease back into civilian life.
