Soldiers Return Home After Iraq Deployment

BEDFORD, Mass. -- It was a happy homecoming for 240 doctors, nurses and medics who have been in Iraq for more than a year.

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that members of the 399th Combat Support Hospital and 804th Medical Brigade returned home to Massachusetts Monday morning. They arrived at Hanscom Field to cheering friends and family.

"It feels great. It will feel even better when I get to hold my grandchildren," Sgt. Shirley Martino said.

Seven-year-old Riley was waiting to see his mother.

"I am really excited. I just can’t wait to give her hugs and kisses," Riley said.

"He's never seen his granddaughter. This will be the first time," another family member said.

After waiting 15 months, the group finally saw their soldiers, but they had to wait an hour for a program before they could have contact with their loved ones.

Martino immediately found her daughters and grandson and gave them one big hug.