An emotional day for many families in the Valley... Ten soldiers from a Fargo-based Army Reserve unit came home after being deployed for nearly a year in Afghanistan.
Sometimes, minutes can feel like days. For Benjamin and Brandy Bartle, when the one you love is separated by an ocean, that wait can feel like an eternity.
Sgt. Benjamin Bartle with the Army Reserves says, "I think the last week of being back into the states but not being home was the worst of it because it's that feeling of being so close to the finish line."
Smiles and tears flood the room, and hugs bridge the distance that's been between them.
Sgt. Bartle's wife, Brandy Bartle, says, "I didn't sleep at all last night. I mean, my heart was racing the whole night."
They married during Sgt. Bartle's two week break in August and have since spent their entire marriage apart.
"It was so much harder to go the 2nd time. I can't even explain it," says Sgt. Bartle.
Others reunite with the family they've had for years and feel a way they haven't for the longest time.
Jane Holtz, who's husband says been gone, says "Happy!"
Msg. Robert Holtz says, "Glad to be home."
Even though these soldiers just stepped off the plane moments ago and missed their family and friends dearly, many don't plan to leave the military anytime soon.
"We're not like the rest of the world. Our privileges and the way of life. There's no other place in the world like this," says Msg. Holtz.
They've been gone one year, fighting for the country they love, and now are finally home with the ones who love them.
"Being back and being with my lovely wife. It's amazing, the feeling," says Sgt. Bartle.
The soldiers who returned home are from the 461st Engineer Company. Others from the same company returned home in Bismarck and Grand Forks.
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