KVOA

Posted: Nov 20, 2009 4:41 PM
Updated: Nov 20, 2009 9:30 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Sixty-eight soldiers returned to Corpus Christi today after spending nearly a year in Iraq.

The Army's 211th Regional Support Group came home to a crowd of cheering family and friends.

The soldiers left for Iraq last January to operate a base there.

Imelda Flores, who's husband just returned home said, "I am extremely, I'm just overjoyed right now because he's coming home."

Becky Espinosa, who was also waiting for her husband's arrival said, "And it was a very different year without him and we are so grateful that he's back."

The group of supporters met at the home station on Mcardle Friday afternoon.

They wanted to shower the soldiers with posters, banners and t-shirts, all signs of their affection and pride.

Flores said, "It's almost like part of me is not here when he's gone so now that he's coming back I'm feeling complete again."

Before the troops arrived, everyone lined the streets in anticipation.

They came home on a bus that picked them up in Fort Hood this morning.

When the doors to that bus opened, soldiers were rushed with family and friends who waited months for this moment.

Now, their loved ones are home, just in time for the holidays.

Gilbert Flores, with the 211^th Regional Support Group told us, "I got no words, I can't talk right now, I'm too excited."

Jerry Espinosa said, "I'm celebrating the holidays, go Dallas Cowboys!"