Different journeys for two Fort Carson soldiers after their homecoming

Two soldiers are taking different paths after today’s homecoming at Fort Carson.

For U.S. Army Pfc. Brandon Herpel, this is his first homecoming.

He, and about 50 other soldiers with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, came back from Kuwait after being deployed there for nine months.

“I just really missed my family while I was over there,” he said.

His wife, Gabby, was excited to have her husband back.

“It was pretty overwhelming, very anxious, the whole time nerve wracking, just waiting for him to come home,” she said.

Herpel will continue his service at the Mountain Post.

As for 1st Sgt. O’Neil Bouges, this was his last homecoming at Fort Carson.

“We’re used to it, but it’s unique in its own right,” he said.

He and his family will be stationed in Italy.

The soldiers who came back were helping in Operation Enduring Freedom.