KEOKUK, IOWA -- A long-awaited heroes' welcome is happening in southeast Iowa Thursday as Iowa Army National Guard units mobilized as part of Operation Enduring Freedom come home from Afghanistan.
"I just love him and miss him. He's my only son and I just can't wait to have him home," said mom Linda Renfro.
And soon enough the men of the 832nd Engineering Company were back home. They received a welcoming cheer from their family and friends as they stepped off the busses. They were honored in a short ceremony, and then they were dismissed from duty.
"He got injured saving an interpreter who got shot and he got shot as well. So, I'll be glad to see that he's safe and home in one piece," said Renfro
And soon, Linda Renfro had her wish...
Ggt. Nick Renfro says, "It's kind of unbelievable that we're back home. It almost seems like a dream. But it just feels great, just taking it all in one step at a time. Sometimes you realize things you've forgotten. You don't realize how much time has passed. You see how much your kids have grown, and how people look different. It just really kicks in."
After hugs and kisses from their family and friends it was time for the soldiers to part their ways . Even though they said hello to their family and friends, it soon became time to say good-bye to the brothers they've been on duty with for the past year and start a new chapter of their lives.
Sgt. Renfro says he wants to "get on the fire department back home is really what I'm trying to do and start my civilian life."
"We're getting ready for this weekend for him. We're having a welcome home cookout so all of his friends and relatives can see him," said Linda Renfro.
Community homecoming ceremonies were held Thursday in Mt. Pleasant, Keokuk, Johnston, and Sioux City, Iowa.
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