More soldiers with the Illinois Army National Guard are home and back with their families. More than a dozen members of the 634th Brigade Support Battalion arrived in Galva, Illinois on Friday afternoon. Family and friends lined the streets to welcome them with signs and flags in hand. Loved ones say seeing the soldiers step off the bus was a reminder of everything they were away fighting for, especially having them home on the anniversary of September 11, 2001.

"We've had two or three, or just how many, that didn't get to come home that we lost. So it means a lot to see them come home alive," said Don Stadler, there to welcome the troops.

Many of the soldiers say they are looking forward to some well deserved rest. While in Afghanistan the 634th Brigade Support Battalion conducted humanitarian assistance and patrol missions.