FORT STEWART, GA -- It was a tearful reunion when the Soldiers of the 24th Ordnance Company, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade made their long awaited return from Iraq, Feb. 1 at Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Benning, Ga.

The 143 Soldiers came back together after being spread apart in Baghdad and western and southern Iraq over the past 15-months. The Soldiers were responsible for conducting and operating numerous ammunition supply points across Iraq as well as supporting their fellow war fighters with more than a million tons of ammunition.

The Family Members and friends of these Soldiers waited anxiously in the gym. For them and their Soldiers, this day couldn't have come any sooner.

"We're really excited. I don't think any of us really slept much last night," said Jessica Brown, wife of Spc. Michael Brown, 24th Ordnance Co. She sat next to Michael Brown, Jr., their three-and-a-half year-old son, and Allison Brown, their nine-month old daughter.

For husband and wife, Staff Sgt. Kelvin Mason and Staff Sgt. Cynthia Mason, both of the 24th Ordnance Co., this is more than just redeployment; it's a reuniting of their Family. Both were deployed together while their son, K.J., was cared for by a close family friend. Upon seeing their son for the first time in many months, both Kelvin and Cynthia burst into tears.

Like Kelvin and Cynthia, others couldn't keep their emotions from flooding over them at the sight of their Soldiers marching into the Tominac Fitness Center on Hunter Army Airfield.

"Words really can't describe it," Jessy Caspen, wife of 1st Lt. Tim Caspen, said through her tears. "I'm overjoyed. This is very emotional, a very long time coming."

Col. Shawn M. Morrissey, commander of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, expressed his gratitude for this great company and all of their accomplishments.

"I want to thank you for all that you have done over these past 15 months," said Morrissey. "Be safe, and welcome home."

Of the 143 Soldiers that returned back from Iraq, 60 were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, while 83 at station at Fort Benning. The company is scheduled to consolidate permanently at Fort Stewart, Ga. during the summer of 2009.