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SALT LAKE CITY — Several families eagerly awaited the first sight of camouflage to appear in the crowd at the Salt Lake International Airport Monday afternoon.
It's tough on families waiting for their soldier to come home from the battlefield.
"You can't breathe," explained Cristine Eckles as she waited for her husband. The American Fork mother of four said it's been a long seven months while her husband was on his first deployment to Afghanistan.
"Your stomach is in knots morning, noon and night," she said.
Fortunately for the Eckles family, the waiting ended early. Guardsmen of the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion were not supposed to get home until the end of the year, but with their training of Afghan troops winding down, and the United States scheduled to leave the county by the end of the year, their deployment ended more than two months early.
"The writing was kind of on the walls," said Sgt. Dave Eckles, after he'd greeted his welcoming party. "We came home early but sure missed a lot."
The father said he missed a first bike ride, a first swim, a few lost teeth, and every family birthday except one. But the family is together now, and ready to make up for lost time.
"We can enjoy our holidays," Cristine Eckles said. "We know that he's safe. He's here; life can go on now."
More than 50 members of the Utah National Guard from two different units, arrived in Salt Lake City on several different flights, so there were many hugs and tears of joy.
The majority of returning soldiers — members of the 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation — came home one month early from their deployment to Kosovo. Seven members of the 142nd returned from Afghanistan Monday, and the rest of their unit either has already come home or is expected in the weeks ahead.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban has intensified attacks against Afghan and NATO troops as the withdrawal picks up. That why the training the guard gave Afghan troops is so important.
"They are ready to take on more responsibility and take care of the country," Dave Eckles said.
Sgt. Wren Murray, of Malad, Idaho, also returned Monday with the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion. He said he's glad to be out of harm's way.
"There's always a threat no matter where you're at," he said. "I hope the Afghans can take the training we gave them and keep moving forward.
Murray's parents and a couple of friends were waiting for him at the airport with a massive banner with his picture on it. His mother never expected to see him home early.
"I'm so proud of him," Trisa Murray said, "but I'm so ready to have him home. It makes me feel so relieved."
