Fort Carson soldiers return home from deployment to Afghanistan

More than 100 Fort Carson soldiers were welcomed home Thursday morning from a deployment in Afghanistan.

Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division were deployed for nine months.

One soldier came home to a big but small surprise.

“My husband is getting ready to meet his baby girl for the first time. She was born Aug. 20th, so it’s our first baby,” said Cleo Driscoll.

Cpt. Alex Driscoll has seen his daughter only over Skype and held her for the first time at the homecoming ceremony.

“It feels great. So many different emotions at once, I can’t explain it,” Sgt. Driscoll said.

It was a moment to which Cleo Driscoll said she was counting down.

“I’m shaking, (I’m) so happy to finally have my family together,” she said.

The soldiers left for Afghanistan in February to assist operations, promoting security and stability. Many said they are looking forward to much-needed time off.

“We’re going to take some time off and relax,” Alex Driscoll said.

For another family, it’s also been a waiting game.

“The hardest is being alone, like that first part of being alone and adjusting to being alone. We don’t have kids. I’m just really excited, he’s been gone since February so it will be nice to settle back into life,” said Brittany Stansbury.

This is the second deployment for the Stansbury family. They’re looking forward to quality family time.

“(I want to) go home and spend it with the family. I’m just happy to be back,” said Spc. Zach Stansbury.

Fort Carson announced last week 4,000 of its soldiers will be deployed to Europe in January.