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Whit Johnson Reporting"It didn't really hit me until i got off the plane. I mean I'm just like, yeah I'm here. (laugh)"
A Veterans Day gift for some members of Utah's National Guard, they're safe at home after a long tour of duty in Iraq. They're younger then many veterans, but their families would agree they're heroes.
In June of 1954, November 11th became officially known as Veterans Day, a day to honor American Veterans of all wars, past and present. Today there are more than 24 million of these veterans living in the US. And now 80 soldiers of the Utah National Guard have made this day even more special for themselves and those who love them.
A hero's escort on the tarmac of the Salt Lake Air Base. Friends, family, loved ones wait anxiously for a reunion 15 months in the making.
Jeff Magdiel, Father of Returning Soldier: "The emotions I'm feeling right now I can't describe. And I'm sure I echo everyone here that I, we're just so grateful."
The 144th Area Support Medical Company of the Utah National Guard is finally home. For the hundreds of people on hand the wait is finally over.
Aron Konery, Returning Soldier: "Great! Good to be home. 'How's it feel to see your family?' Great, best feeling in the world."
The heat of the Iraqi desert, at least for now, is a thing of the past. But there's a new warmth now provided by eager arms.
Kristy Warburton, Mother of Returning Soldier: "I feel great. It's a huge relief to know she's back safe."
Emily Warburton, Returning Soldier: "I'm not in Iraq, I mean, that's the best part, but it's good to see them."
And see them they did. Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. was among the guests.
Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr.: "They're all heroes as far as I'm concerned, they're extraordinary people."
Owen Magdiel, Returning Soldier: "It's good to be home. After being gone for 15 months it's good to be home."
A feeling shared by all.
The 144th was deployed in August of 2005. Their mission was to support Coalition forces and local nationals with onsite emergency medical care. They could not have picked a more fitting day to come home.
