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SALT LAKE CITY -- Families anxiously waited, anticipating the arrival of their military loved ones, holding signs and saluting, as patriotic music and American flags filled the air.
Nearly 100 soldiers of the 19th Special Forces Group returned home from Iraq into the arms of their family Saturday morning, following a year-long deployment.
But each hug held a different meaning. For the Lowe family, it was a first-time meeting.
Staff Sergeant Kevin Lowe missed the birth of his now 2- month-old daughter Samantha. Saturday morning was his first opportunity to meet his young daughter.
"I'm excited," said Tonya Lowe. "I'm glad he's home. I'm glad he got to meet his daughter."
"I'm just glad to be home," Kevin laughed. "I've got some making up to do."
For brothers Nathan and Mark Goldhardt, there was a return of a promise -- a promise from Mark to not cut his hair while Nathan was away.
"He stuck to it," Nathan said. "I know it bothered him a lot, but I appreciated the dedication. I'd look back on Facebook and different emails and he'd send me pictures. It just made me laugh and put a smile on my face."
"I was up for it," said Mark "I knew I would look kind of goofy, but it's alright."
But for everyone there Saturday, it was the end of an 11- month deployment and a chance to be together again.
"I'm trying not to cry," said Amber Miller. "I'm so happy it was over."
