Fort Campbell Soldiers Return Home For Veterans Day

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By Brent Frazier

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - More than a hundred Fort Campbell Army soldiers returned home Tuesday evening after a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Music and anticipation filled the military hangar as families and friends eagerly awaited the safe return of their loved ones. The 101 soldiers are from the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade.

"We missed him last time," said soldier's wife Vicki Ardisana. "He left November 12 [2008], so in two days it will be 12 months."

Ardisana stood outside watching for the plane with daughter, Isabella.

"He'll be home for Christmas this year?" asked reporter Brent Frazier.

"Yeah and Thanksgiving!" exclaimed Ardisana. "He was gone for both [last year]."

The 737 commercial, Miami Air International jet pulled into view to a throng of cheering fans. Inside the hangar, there was one final formation for the military men and women before a much deserved warm greeting from loved ones.

"You can't even imagine, it's wonderful [being home]," said Sergeant First Class Peter Lanoue. "You're in a foreign land, away from friends, family and everything you hold true to your heart is here, so it's amazing. It's magical."

After a debriefing, soldiers were set free to sleep at home Tuesday night. Fort Campbell officials said more soldiers from the 159th are slated to come home for the holidays.

The remaining 2,600 soldiers still in Afghanistan should be back on American soil by the year's end.

email: bfrazier@newschannel5.com