The National Guard flew 120 soldiers back to Connecticut Wednesday afternoon after nearly a year of duty in Afghanistan.
Members of the 143rd Military Police Company were happy to be home after a long deployment.
"It's been since last August," said Jason Houle, whose wife brought his bulldog, Gunner, to the base in East Granby. "It's nice to have the color green. Color green has been absent for a long time," he said.
While many of the soldiers got warm hugs and kisses from their loved ones, Jocquel Johnson had something to give his girlfriend, Kate Thompson - an engagement ring.
He dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. She said, "Yes!"
Amanda Gagnon brought her son Ethan to meet someone important in his life, his father.
What's it like for Eric Gagnon to hold his son for the first time? "It's great," he said.
Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com