After Three Days of Waiting, Soldiers Get Home in the (St.) Nick of Time

Dec. 23, 2007— -- More than 200 American soldiers who were scheduled to arrive back home from Iraq this past Thursday, finally touched down early Sunday afternoon, barely making it back in time for Christmas.

Members of the First Cavalry got stuck on an airstrip in Kuwait for three days after the plane — which was to carry them home after 15 months of duty — ran into mechanical trouble.

A new airplane part had to be flown in from Baltimore, Md., which meant three days of watching their comrades fly home for the holidays, with no clue whether they would make it back themselves.

But, eventually, the soldiers got their own Christmas miracle, and arrived home to a warm welcome from family and friends at Ft. Hood in Texas. "We were a little worried, at times," said one soldier, "but we kept our faith ... a couple days late, but everyone got us here, anyway, and we're happy about that."

There were tears of joy on the runway as families embraced after months apart. The First Cavalry was only scheduled to be abroad for a year, but their tour was extended to 15 months midway through.

"I just love this country," said one soldier. "It's an awesome welcome home."