Dozens of eager families waited for their loved ones after 15 months apart in the Hunter Army Airfield Fitness Center Sunday morning.
Tristan Johnson, 11, and his four year-old sister Kerigan can't wait to see dad come home.
"My dad said that while he was away, I had to be the man of the house, so that means I have to make sure this little one doesn't get into trouble, and if my mom gets sick I have to help her," says Tristan.
Nearby, Jessica Brown sits and waits for husband Michael with their three year-old son and nine month-old daughter.
"We're really excited. I don't think any of us really slept much last night," she says.
The 24th Ordnance Company was based out of Baghdad, Iraq, but was responsible for running ammunition supply points across the country.
After long minutes of anxious waiting, the faces they've been longing for walk through the doors. Many family members cry tears of joy, as the music of the Star Spangled Banner fills the air.
Specialist Michael Brown hugs his family for the first time since his daughter was a few weeks old.
"It was tough only being able to talk to them on a computer and phone, but it's what we do," says Brown, as he held his three year-old son and hugged his wife and daughter.
Specialist Michael Johnson is also happy to be back again with his wife and children.
"After 15 months, it's exciting, and you know, it's good to be home. It's nice to be relaxed and not have to worry about things for a while," says Johnson.
One hundred forty soldiers made the journey back to Georgia from Iraq Sunday: 57 are based here, while the others continued to Fort Benning in Columbus.
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