Nation Guard Soldiers Return Home

 It was an emotional reunion for a group of local Army National Guard soldiers and their families early this morning.

For many of these New York National Guard soldiers, this was their first deployment overseas and coming home for the holidays means everything.

When the bus rolls up and the gate goes up, it's hard for families to just sit and wait. Husbands and wives run and kiss each other and moms wrap their arms around their sons.

"It means I get to see my little girl and spend time with my family," said Specialist Brandon Burgess.

Mary Hendry says that as a mother it's good to know they are finally safe. "You miss him, you worry, I am a mom and it's hard, it's really hard,"

Just before 3 a.m. this morning, these army national guard soldiers returned to the New York Armory in Rochester.

They landed in Syracuse hours before and took a bus ride to get home. These soldiers were responsible for logistics, security missions, and administrative duties in kuwait. After a tough year overseas, coming home for christmas has special meaning.

"It means a lot to me and all of the guys, from commanders worked hard to get as many guys out for the holidays and possible," says Second Leuitenant Nicholas Charnley

"It's the best Christmas I have had so far and it's great to see all of the guys home safe and hope others come home safe soon," says Ali Brown, a girlfriend of one of the soliders.

More soldiers are expected to arrive home throughout the holidays.