LATHAM, N.Y. – “We've been waiting a whole year for this," said Linda Huslander.

It's been a long ten months for all the families packed inside the New York State Armory gymnasium.

"I'm just really excited. We're waiting to see my brother. It's been a long year. I just can't wait to see him," said Cindy Hopeck.

Loved ones were anxiously awaiting their heroes’ homecoming since being deployed to Afghanistan last January.

"I've been texting him all day long wondering where he was every second of the day," said Krystyn Campo.

Campo couldn't resist texting her boyfriend, Specialist Michael Frati. He was one of the 20 National Guard members making his way home from Afghanistan.

"He keeps trying to trick me by saying that he's still in Syracuse and Afghanistan," said Campo.

Within minutes of Campo’s last text, her soldier was home. It was an emotional reunion for her and the entire Frati family, as well as all the others gathered inside the Armory.

"Even though we're celebrating the day my son coming home and all these people are celebrating their children and fathers and moms and dads coming home, I just think it's important for people to remember that there are people who aren't here because their sons and daughters aren't coming home. We have a lot to be thankful for," said Michael Frati.

Wednesday's redeployment marked the return of approximately 1,500 soldiers. Their mission was to train members of Afghan National Army and now it's complete.

"It's been a long time waiting for this," said US Army Specialist Andy Parsons.

Like his comrades, Parson's safe return means a start to the new year and a chance at catching up where they left off.