Fort Carson welcomes home one of last battalions

More than 200 soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade combat team returned home to Fort Carson early Thursday morning. They arrived around 2:30 A.M. at the William Reed Special Events Center.

They’ve been overseas in Afghanistan helping train Afghan forces. It was an emotional morning, but new at this particular homecoming, the uncasing of the colors to signify the return of the commanders from Afghanistan.

“It feels amazing,” said Sgt. C.J. Franklin, who saw his twin daughters for the first time. “I wasn’t here when they were born and now they’re in my arms. It feels right.”

We’re expecting more homecomings in the weeks ahead, but we’re told all the soldiers in Afghanistan have finished their mission and are now just waiting to come home.

“I was ready to be dismissed and come see the family,” said Lt. Col. David Folden. “It was great and was very well done homecoming and I’m thrilled for all the families here and our leadership at the brigade bringing everybody here.”