National Guardsmen Welcomed Home In Time For Holiday

MOUNT PLEASANT (KDKA) - Three buses carrying members of the Pennsylvania National Guard returned home Sunday to Mount Pleasant, New Castle and Shadyside.

They were greeted with the open arms of their families just in time for the holidays.

With a police and fire truck escort, the bus carrying soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry pulled into the National Guard headquarters in Mount Pleasant.

Families waiting anxiously could hardly wait for the bus to park. There were hugs, tears and there were plenty of smiles.

"He has been overseas seven times, and the good Lord watched over him and brought him home safe again," said Holly Johnson, of her son, Grant. "I am so proud of him and all those who serve and protect us over here in America."

"The homecomings are fantastic. This is my second one in two weeks," added Lt. Col. Ros Gammon, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry.

And over at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside, the homecoming scene was the same.

"It feels great to be home. That's the best feeling in the world," added Lewis Kohle, of Delta Company. "I was in the first Desert Storm, but this tops it off cause I have a wife and children waiting on me to come back. This is the greatest company in the world; you can say what you want, do want you want, and you don't have to worry about your freedom. It's awesome."