128th Airlift Wing homecoming; nearly 100 welcomed home

MILWAUKEE - It was an emotional morning for families gathered for the 128th Air Refueling Wing on Wednesday, Oct. 30, all to welcome service members home.

It's an arrival Katie Love and her family have been waiting for since they last saw their sister, Kristin.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

"Excited, anxious, it's been three months," she said. "She's my best friend, so really looking forward to it."

"We are all very emotional and excited to see her and welcome her home," Hannah Love said.

Embracing her with hugs, tears and, of course, love.

That was seen throughout the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base as more than 100 service members were welcomed home after completing a mission in the Middle East.

It was a homecoming Griffien Casper had been waiting for months.

"I'm glad to be home," Casper said. "Hug my family, my girlfriend, my parents, my brother."

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

"I can't even describe a feeling of joy and excitement that I had just to see him land safely," Mikayla Pascavis said. "And finally be able to hug him."

As many hugged their loved ones, others were given an unexpected surprise, including an engagement.

"She said the right answer so that's the good thing," said Nick Rocci, who proposed to Samantha Cardarelle.

"It was a great surprise, absolutely loved it [and] didn't expect it," she said. "We are now engaged. I’m a fiance."

"Welcome home troops," Katie Love said. "We love you, thank you."