Fort Carson soldiers return home after Iraq deployment

Nearly two dozen Fort Carson soldiers will be back home with their families this weekend.

The 4th Infantry Division soldiers supported military intervention against the Islamic State in Iraq for nine months.

Families welcomed their soldiers home at a ceremony Friday at the Mountain Post.

“We’re here to welcome our son home,” said Debbie Smith, who was waiting for her son to return from his first deployment. “There was very little communication. It takes five or six weeks to get a package to him. It’s been a long nine months.”

For some families, the homecoming ceremony has become familiar.

“Any time they come home, it’s a huge relief and everybody sleeps better knowing they’re home,” said Amber Hawkins, whose brother is returning from his eighth deployment. “Some aspects get easier. It’s not so hard when he leaves, but it is harder while he’s gone.”

While deployed, the soldiers provided radar coverage at Al Asad Air Base for more than 900 U.S. and coalition forces.

Each soldier received a combat action badge after attacks on the air base in February and March.

The soldiers are thankful to be with their families.

“It’s great to be home, to be able to see family,” soldier Justin Jaramillo said. “It’s just been a while.”

For the families, the homecoming couldn’t come soon enough.

“I never thought this day would come,” soldier Nicholas Smith said. “I’m just glad to be home. I’m honestly speechless.”

A second homecoming ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Friday, when 10 more soldiers will return to the Mountain Post.