FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Family members and friends welcomed home 33 Soldiers and one civilian from the 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), June 27 at Waller Physical Fitness Center.
"I'm extremely excited," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Lance as his three children, Jeremiah, John and Abby clung to him. "These little guys needed to see me and I needed to see them. I've been waiting too long to see them."
Abby, 8, said she was excited to have her father home.
"I like to play video games with him," she said.
Jeremiah, 6, said he enjoyed playing tag and games with his father. John, 3, agreed.
"I like to have him home," he said.
Amanda Lance, Jeremy Lance's wife, said the deployment was difficult, but technology made it easier for her and her children.
"It was a lot easier on them than the first deployment," she said. "Skype made it much easier."
The Soldiers deployed July 2011 to Afghanistan, partnering with coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces.
"Our troops faced a hybrid threat that requires a hybrid warrior," said Col. Leo Bradley, commander. "We engaged in a different kind of battle."
Bradley commended his Soldiers for their continued service on and off the battlefield.
"We served our country and protected our Families," he said.
Family members said they experienced an array of emotions waiting for their Soldiers to return.
"I have butterflies in my stomach," said Monica Cazares, wife of Sgt. 1st Class Eddie Cazares. "He called me when he landed and said he's ready to see me."
Allen Bower arrived at Waller Physical Fitness Center two hours ahead of the ceremony to welcome home his son, Staff Sgt. Cody Bower.
"I wanted to make sure I found the building," he said.
Allen Bower said he drove from Nebraska to welcome his son home.
"I missed being able to call him," he said. "I just want to see him."
Abigail Carouth, 2, held up a welcome home sign for her great-grandfather, Jessie Brumly, who served as the 71st EOD safety officer.
Sheryll Williams, wife of Chap. (Maj.) Todd Williams, said a strong support group helped her through the yearlong separation.
"God surrounded me with a great group of people," she said. "I kept busy with prayer groups and went hiking with friends."
Before the ceremony, Miriam Alicea, mother of Spc. Alex Alicea, wiped tears from her eyes.
"It's been a roller coaster (of emotions), especially when you see the news from Afghanistan," she said. "I'm anxious, nervous and happy. I want to see him."
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