Soldiers Welcomed Home in Dayton

After spending a year serving overseas, the soldiers of Dayton's first of the 181st finally got the welcome home they've been awaiting for several months.

"Im so proud of each of them that have served for our country and the ones that are still serving," says Wendy Bedwell.

"I definitely think they should respect them and be thankful for them," Jean Wilcox.

Wendy Bedwell and her sister in law Jean are among the many family members who have been waiting to celebrate their return.

They got back in May, but couldn't officially met to celebrate getting back to the U.S until today.

Last June these soldiers left for three months of training in Fort Bliss, Texas, from there they went to Kuwait and on to Iraq to serve as military police for detainees.

"This is my first deployment, I am one of the fortunate ones I got to deploy with my brother. He's changed units on me since we've been back but we are still together," says Michael Cowgill.

Since then this band has gained more brothers when they left there were just 25, but now the group has grown to 50.

Every soldier that went came home safely, and today, more than ever they appreciate that home.

"Probably one of the best things that could have been said today was if you need anything if you need help feel free to call. Its just nice to know that you can always fall back on someone if you just need help of you feel like you cant handle it yourself," says Cowgill.

"This is nice, and very appreciative I'm proud that this town is doing something like this for the national guard," says Rodney Wilcox.