Deployed soldiers return home in time to spend holidays with loved ones

The soldiers had spent six months deployed in Kuwait.

ByABC News
December 14, 2017, 9:49 AM

— -- Fort Knox, Kentucky, was filled with emotional reunions Wednesday as deployed soldiers returned home in time to spend the holidays with loved ones.

The soldiers, with the Army's 1st Sustainment Command spent six months deployed in Kuwait providing food, fuel, water, transportation and other materials for military personnel there, ABC Louisville affiliate WHAS reported.

On Wednesday family members looked on eagerly as they waited for a glimpse of the service members.

"There he is right there," one mother told her young son once she spotted her husband. "Look at Daddy! Look!"

PHOTO: After Army solider Kevin Howse reunited with his young daughter, he said that it is "difficult" being away from family, but he is "accustomed to it."
After Army solider Kevin Howse reunited with his young daughter, he said that it is "difficult" being away from family, but he is "accustomed to it."

The official homecoming ceremony was cut short so families did not have to wait longer for their reunions, according to WHAS.

"Family members, find your soldiers," a woman's voice instructed via intercom.

Soldier Chris Campbell returned home after his first deployment since becoming a father.

"It's great to be back," he said. "Things have changed, but the little luxury is still being able to see them on the camera every couple days."

PHOTO: Army solider Chris Campbell returned to Fort Knox Wednesday after being deployed for the first time since he became a father.
Army solider Chris Campbell returned to Fort Knox Wednesday after being deployed for the first time since he became a father.

Campbell's wife told WHAS that the reality of his being home is "really just started setting in."

"Now he gets to enjoy his kids," she said. "It's a feeling I can't even describe."

After soldier Kevin Howse reunited with his wife, there was another young lady he had to make sure to see.

Howse had his tear-filled reunion with his young daughter at her day care.

PHOTO: Deployed soldiers returned home to Fort Knox, Kentucky in time to spend the holidays with their loved ones.
Deployed soldiers returned home to Fort Knox, Kentucky in time to spend the holidays with their loved ones.

"Daddy, I missed you," Howse's daughter told him. "I missed you too, Daddy."

Howse said it's "difficult" for service members to be away from loved ones when they're deployed.

"We're used to it, but it doesn't get any better," he said. "Even though we're accustomed to it, still a little difficult at times. That's the life we chose, so that's what we do."

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