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Idaho airmen returned from Afghanistan Thursday to a hero's welcome. Even though it was only ten airmen, it was very emotional. When they arrived, they were greeted by some very relieved families.

Loud cheers broke out for the returning airmen, who came home after being in Afghanistan for seven months. Families are always overjoyed to have loved ones home again, but this time of year homecomings take on special meaning.

Heather Wilson was ready to break through security so she could grab her husband.

“I was going to run through there, a little girl ran through there, and I'm like, I'm doing it, I'll go,” said Heather Wilson, greeting her husband.

Wilson says even though they've been married for seven years, they’re still newlyweds, and this homecoming is really special.
“We just loved so much and I realized that when he was gone. And he realized it while he was gone. Were so much even better now and he's awesome,” said Heather.

Tech Sgt Kelly Wilson was practically at a loss for words.

“It's excellent, it's hard to explain,” said TSgt. Kelly Wilson, 124th Civil Engineer Squadron

His mom, echoed what every mom worries about.

“Oh gosh, I'm so glad to have him home! Every time I hear something has happened to a base in Afghanistan, I would wonder if something has happened to Kelly,” said Judy Wilson, his mom.

Kelly's wife Heather says she tried to keep things as normal as possible.

“He still did the bills. And we talked every day, except he did his laundry and that's not normal.

The airmen from the 124th Civil Engineer Squadron from Gowen Field have been in Afghanistan building runways and other construction projects. Currently, there are about 100 Idaho Air and Army national guard personnel in Afghanistan.