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OSHKOSH--A welcome home for the 1157th! After nearly a year, serving in Afghanistan, members of the Oshkosh based unit are reunited with loved ones.

Back from another successful mission, the 1157th returns home to Wisconsin, greeted by hundreds at the ceremony. And it's been a long wait for these soldiers and their families.

Hugs, kisses, even a few tears. The feeling of the first embrace, hard to put in to words.

Eighty nine soldiers, back home safe, after nearly a year away from their families and 9 months in Afghanistan. The men served as security escorts for convoys. Now, finally reunited, husbands and wives say it's overwhelming.

"My daughter is now one. I haven't seen her since she was one and my wife is half the size she was when I left." said Sgt. Eric Johnson.

"I have a lot of mixed emotions right now. I imagine when I actually get home I will probably end up having a break down" said Sgt, Johnson's wife, Rachel.

For one family, the homecoming is an even bigger celebration. Sergeant Luis Cortes-Avila is now an American! He was born in Mexico and passed his citizenship test while overseas.

Cortes-Avila is now thrilled to be home.

"I missed them, I loved them, and can't wait to spend the next few days with them non stop" said Sgt. Cortes-Avila

"We're proud of him. He said he was going to do it and he did it, and he's here with us now and we can't wait to spend more time with him" said his brother, Edwin Cortes.

The soldiers will spend 18 months at home before they can be deployed again