Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers return after yearlong deployment

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Hundreds of soldiers returned to the Gem State, embracing their loved ones as they returned from a lengthy deployment.

Around 250 Idaho Army National Guard soldiers returned to Idaho on Tuesday after a yearlong deployment in Southwest Asia. The soldiers were from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, supporting Task Force Rattler. Idaho soldiers accounted for over half of the task force this year, with soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina.

Brigadier General Farin Schwartz, the Idaho Army National Guard's commander, spoke on the soldier's efforts these past 12 months.

"Task Force Rattler Soldiers served their state and nation with distinction during this deployment," Schwartz said. "We welcome them home and thank them for their service and recognize their families and employers for their support. Over the past two years, Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers have deterred enemy aggression in a hostile environment, demonstrating our nation's commitment to our global partners and allies."

One year prior, another group of soldiers returned home; they had deployed the year before that.

Being halfway across the globe was a challenge for many soldiers, but especially their families, some of whom were nervous to see them head overseas, eagerly waiting for their return. Mandy Caron, First Sergeant Robert Caron's spouse, spoke on the emotions of not having her husband nearby for a whole year.

"A lot of split emotions," Caron said. "You know, proud, excited but sad and a little dread. A little worry of what's going on over there, but we know he's with the best, and that's what he trains for, and just hope he hurries up and gets home."

Families finally reunited when a plane landed Tuesday around 1:10 p.m., many cheering as it came in on its final approach, those cheers amplifying when the door opened to the plane next to the hangar families were stationed in.

Additional soldiers will return home to Spokane, Idaho Falls and Lewiston. Several hundred more soldiers will arrive back in Boise sometime this week.