FORT CARSON — There were hundreds of really happy families at Fort Carson Saturday night.
The Mountain Post hosted a homecoming ceremony at the Bill Reed Events Center that welcomed home more than 150 soldiers.
The soldiers were from the Fourth Infantry Division Headquarters, as well as more than 50 soldiers form the Utah Army National Guard. The troops were deployed in November and December of last year, as part of "Operation Freedom's Sentinel."
Family members said it's hard to be apart for so long, but it's a necessary part of protecting the country.
"We have each other, we support each other, and we're just really grateful and blessed that they're able to do what they do, and they're able to come home today," said Army wife, Nikki Pena.
"I can't explain it. It's a special feeling. It's our first daughter and I just... I don't have words for this feeling," said Major Nicholas Carelas.
Operation Freedom's Sentinel consists of counter terrorism operations in Afghanistan. The soldiers al participated in NATO's "Resolute Support" mission to develop security capabilities for the Afghan Security Ministries.
