Soldiers are honored in a brief ceremony before reuniting with loved ones

CALUMET --  From the minute they stepped off the plane to the moment they first touched their loved ones - it was a rollercoaster of emotions for 114 returning soldiers of the 1431st Engineer Sapper Company.

"I'm glad to be home, to be back in the U.P. and with my family," said Private First Class Josh Wheeler.

The troops arrived at Houghton County Airport just before ten Tuesday morning.

From there they boarded buses and were escorted by local police and fire officials to Calumet High School - welcome signs and yellow ribbons greeted them all along the way.

For parents and everyone else waiting back in the school's crowded bleachers, the reunion couldn't come soon enough.

"It’s an answered prayer to have them home safe and sound because a lot of them had some close calls over there," said parent John Cadeau.

A few short speeches honored the soldiers for their bravery and many achievements during their year in Afghanistan.

But for most, the best part of the ceremony was when the commander officially dismissed the troops.

In an instant, the rows of composed men dissolved in the chaos of tearful reunions and passionate embraces.

"This was the most amazing thing to be a part of,” said Director of the Central U.P. Red Cross Annette Butina.  “I've been involved with reintegration before but today just seemed more special.  It’s good to have the 1431st home."

The Red Cross was a big part of Tuesday’s special event, but their support doesn’t end there.

They said they'll be ready to help however they can as the soldiers transition back into everyday life.

Bureau - Tuesday 2:40 p.m.

After a brief ceremony at the high school, the real celebration began.

The crowd cheered as the troops were released and finally able to reunite with friends and family.

I spoke with soldiers, parents and organizers about today's event and you'll hear from them when my full report airs tonight on your TV6 Early News.

Calumet - Tuesday 11:55 a.m.

The men and women of the 1431st Engineer Sapper Company are now back in the UP.

They landed at the Houghton County Airport just before 10:00 Tuesday morning.

They paraded through the streets of Calumet to the high school and their welcome home.

The 114 soldiers are back from a year long deployment in Afghanistan.

I'll have much more on their return home tonight on your newscasts and UpperMichigansSource.com.

Check back frequently for more details.

Bureau - Tuesday 9:38 a.m.

The 1431st Engineer Company is on its way back to the Keweenaw right now.

I'm heading up to the Houghton County Airport to catch their landing and I'll be following the soldiers' journey from the time they touchdown to the moment they're dismissed and reunited with family and friends.

Check out Jerry Hume's story on the preparation that was done Monday.

And check back for another update later.