Photo by Amy Cherry A father embraces his daughter immediately after getting off the bus on Sunday afternoon at the Bradford armory. Upon reaching to her the soldier exclaimed “my baby girl” as she leapt into his open arms. This and many other emotional reunions took place during the Charlie Company’s heartfelt homecoming.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

BRADFORD – Anticipation filled the air at the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Team Readiness Center in Bradford as family, friends and community members gathered yesterday afternoon awaiting the return of area soldiers from the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Charlie Company.

Following a lengthy deployment to Iraq, as well as a three-month training mission at Mississippi’s Camp Shelby, the unit returned home to the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to Fort Dix, N.J.

Two coach buses transported the soldiers on the over 300-mile journey from New Jersey to Bradford, which began at 7 a.m. The buses stopped earlier in the day for lunch in Snow Shoe. They reached the Summit Motel in Ridgway around 1 p.m. where they were escorted by awaiting members of the Elk County Sheriff’s department, the Pennsylvania State Police, local fire and police, motorcycle units and families.

From there they traveled into Ridgway, through Johnsonburg, Wilcox, Lantz’s Corner on to the Bradford armory. Patriotic signs were posted the entire route while many residents came out to show their support as the convoy passed through area communities.

Those gathered at the armory for the bittersweet homecoming expressed both excitement and nervousness as the minutes seemed to turn into hours. Cars lined the entire entrance into the armory overflowing into the airport parking lot.

As their loved ones anxiously awaited the soldiers arrival, families were instructed to wait and let their soldiers find them in order to prevent blocking the entrance to the bus doors.

The sound of sirens and horns could be heard in the distance as the convoy approached the armory. A variety of flags of all sizes, signs and balloons waved in the wind as the buses pulled into the armory parking lot.

As they stepped off the buses soldiers, were greeted with hugs, kisses and tears by families who have been counting down the days to that moment.

Capt. Nick Buccheit briefly addressed those in attendance thanking families and communities for their outpouring of love and support.

“We couldn’t have done our job over there without the support from back home. For that we are grateful,” he said.

Soldiers were then dismissed and allowed to return home.

Now savoring the comforts of home many soldiers plan to celebrate missed holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and births by spending quality time with their grateful loved ones, happy to have area soldiers home safe and sound.