Georgia National Guard Soldiers Return from Iraq

FORT STEWART, Ga.—A happy homecoming Tuesday night for more than 160 Georgia National Guard soldiers who were reunited with their families after a year serving in Iraq.

Dozens of family and friends gathered for the return of the 178th Military Police Company.

The 178th MPC is based in Monroe, Georgia, and more than 30 of its members call the Savannah-area home.

Friends and family tried to contain their excitement as they waited at Fort Stewart for the group to arrive.

Whitney Brown of Richmond Hill waited for her husband Sean, who left for his first deployment just months after they got married.

“It’s been hard but we’ve been able to talk pretty much every day, so not that bad,“ said Brown.

Savannah native Caitlyn Ulin is also a newlywed, proud of her husband Jerrod and his service to our country.

“I’m so ready for it to be over. I’ll be so excited for whenever you know he’s home everyday, and I can come home to him and everything,“ said Ulin.

After months apart, their heroes finally arrive, and then the two groups merge in joyful reunion of tearful hugs and kisses.

“I’m glad to be back. I missed them. I cried, so obviously that’s good,“ said Specialist Sean Brown after being reunited with his wife and family.

“It’s difficult being away from the family to say the least. That was probably the hardest thing,“ said Specialist Jerrod Ulin.

Spc. Brown said he is thankful he and his fellow soldiers are home safe. “The entire unit which is great. that’s what we were so happy about. we didn’t have any problems, any accidents or anything,“ he said.

Spc. Jerrod Ulin said he was looking forward to the comforts of home. “Sleep in my own bed, definitely,“ he said.

All members of the 178th MPC returned home safely.