“I’m just so happy:” Families share joyous reunion as soldiers return home for the holidays

MILWAUKEE -- They've already given the nation the gift of their service and now it's their turn to receive some time with their loved ones. This weekend, a group of southeastern Wisconsin soldiers are coming home for the holidays.

Along with all the seasonal sights and sounds, Saturday, December 19th Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport sports some holiday spirit as one by one members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment are welcomed home.

Wisconsin Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment homecoming

"I'm so happy," said Addison, welcoming home her mother.

Addison is not alone -- she's joined by her grandmother and a family friend, as her mother, Alyssa Trimble, makes it home for the holidays.

Alyssa and Addison

FOX6 News asked Addison what she wants to do with her mom once she gets home and her response was priceless:

"Snuggle! Snuggle," said Addison.

Trimble, and 27 other soldiers in her group, have been stationed in Kuwait during a seven-month deployment.

"I'm just so happy to be back home," said Alyssa.

"Last night is when we finally were able to confirm tickets for coming back to Milwaukee," said Captian Joe Trovato, Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Captian Trovato explains the group arrived at Fort Hood, Texas during the past several days -- and completed post-mobilization requirements before flying to Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment

"It's a great, great day and a great day for these families that they'll have their loved one home for Christmas now," said Trovato.

What the soldiers have given includes more than 1,200 flight hours and 14 MEDEVAC missions -- along with ground maintenance work in Kuwait and Iraq.

"It's a little cold. Not something that we're used to, but it's great to be back home," said Kyle Snamiska, aeromedical evacuation officer.

Wisconsin Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment homecoming

It's a very happy holiday and beyond for the soldiers who, the captain explains, get the next couple months to spend with their families before going in to receive awards they've earned during their term of service.