Oklahoma Soldiers Enjoy Happy Homecoming

Dozens of Oklahoma families now have their loved ones home as another group of soldiers with Oklahoma's 45th infantry has returned. 

Home cooking and time spent with family are just some of the things they're looking forward to now that they're back in Oklahoma. 

This is the moment all these men and women in uniform have been looking forward to: the day all these folks with balloons, smiles and a sense of relief have longed for since the 45th was deployed. 

"Welcome home; great job," said Major General Myles Deering, Oklahoma Adjutant General. "Thank you and God bless you."

Sixty-four members of the 45th are now home in Oklahoma after serving in Afghanistan. 

"It feels amazing. I was so glad just to see grass when I got here. Just amazing," said Sergeant Antwoin Clark, Oklahoma soldier.

3/12/2012 Related Story: 200 Oklahoma Soldiers To Arrive In OKC Monday From Afghanistan

Hugging a loved one, posing for pictures, holding a baby you haven't seen for nearly a year. It's all priceless. 

"I'm glad he's home, because I missed him and I was worried about him all the time," said Gloria Bonds, a military mom.

This group of soldiers is mostly made up of members of the 179th Infantry Battalion out of Stillwater.

Tobey Stroup had to leave three days after Paisley Jane - or P.J. for short - was born.

He made it home about a week before her first birthday.

"I carried a little picture of her inside my helmet, so I got to see her every day," said Tobey Stroup, returning Oklahoma soldier. "Just ready to get home to her." 

"We're really happy he's back. All in one piece. Happier than ever," said Samie Prock, Paisley Jane's mom.

There are so many stories of happy homecomings, like James Bonds who was welcomed home by his girlfriend, his mom and other family members. 

"It feels great. It's been a long year, a lot of action, just ready to get it over with," Bonds said. 

Gloria Bonds, military mom: "Still my baby."
Craig Day, News On 6: "And you worry about your baby."
Gloria Bonds, military mom: "Oh yes."

For these families, the worry is over, but more than half of the 45th is still overseas in Afghanistan and Kuwait. Those soldiers are anxiously waiting for their turn, for their welcome home ceremony, and their chance to be with those they love. 

"Actually a lot of my squad is still over there right now so I'm praying for them to get back pretty soon," said Specialist Donnie Graves.

More soldiers from the 45th, a group of about 200, will return to Oklahoma later this week. All are expected to be home by the middle of April.