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An Eastern Oregon community turns in force to welcome home soldiers from the 116th Cavalry Brigade.

Hundreds lined the streets to welcome home their loved ones.  It was a homecoming like no other, a late night arrival full of cheers and celebrations closing the maine street of Ontario.

Many gathered to welcome home these soldiers from the 116th, many of them have been away for over a year. One of the soldier's wife, Kelly Jones said, "I'm just looking forward to having a Sunday
with my family."

Kaitlyn Opdahl, has a daughter with a heart condition, she is also expecting another. So, the homecoming of her husband has an extra special meaning.  She said, "It's lonely I mean it's hard enough feeling like a hopeless mother, who has to
worry about her husband as well and then my daughter, so I had two things to worry about.

Some of the soldiers have been away for more than a year.  Kisto Carasco, a soldier, is looking forward to his favorite dinner, but more than anything is looking forward to being with his loved ones.
He said, "I would just like to say to everybody my family and all the families, it's great to be back."

 It was a test of faith for many of these wives, they formed a support group that met once a week, this gave them the encouragement they needed.  Last September over 2700 soldiers were deployed, so to have these soldiers back is already a victory.

Following the Vietnam War it was difficult for soldiers 

September 11th, 2001 is such an important date to remember gives it even a stronger meaning of gratitude and appreciation that we have for our soldiers.