Happy homecoming for National Guard Soldiers in Glenville - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Happy homecoming for National Guard Soldiers in Glenville

GLENVILLE, N.Y. - Excitement and anticipation filled the room as family and friends waited to be reunited with soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 2^nd Battalion, 108^th Infantry Regiment to arrive home after their tour in Afghanistan was cut short.

About 25 soldiers are expected to return. When they got off the bus and walked into the room the anticipation broke into the sound of applause and a collective sigh of relief.

"I can hug him touch him and smell him," said one mother.

Specialist Tiffany Sutton wears a Combat Action Badge which means she was shot-at during her service. She's seeing her two son's Aiden, 2, and Silas, 8, for the first time since January.

"I'm glad to be home," Sutton says.

Silas says he's proud of his mom. He says his mother was "fighting for our country."

"It makes me happy to hear he's proud of what I did," Sutton said.

Specialist Robert Vanderwerken kisses his 5-month-old son's forehead after hugging his wife Michelle.

"I'm excited and happy to be back," Vanderwerken said.

Parents of Specialist Eric Loy eagerly pose for a picture with their son.

"I'm pretty happy, happy to be home," Loy said.

"You know the military can change orders mid-air so I'm so glad I can actually see him," his mother Eunic Loy says. "Thank God he's back in the good old U.S.A.," Eunic said.

These soldiers were among 1,800 who were assigned to the 27th infantry brigade combat team. The members of their team that are still in Kuwait are expected to be home later this fall.