NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - The nine month wait is almost over. On a brisk Thanksgiving Eve, families welcomed their beloved soldiers home from war-torn Iraq.
What better way to greet Uncle Mark than with his closest relatives and favorite food!
"He just likes to eat a lot of sweets and everything," said Abi Deaton, who's waiting to see her uncle.
Chocolate chip cookies, baked with love.
"I think it's generous to give them cookies because they don't have cookies there," said Dani Slise, who traveled with her friends to meet their uncle.
And as soon as he sees them, he digs in.
"These are the best cookies ever. We get various things in Iraq, but unfortunately it's stale by the time it gets to us," said Sgt. Mark Smith, a member of the 77th Aviation Brigade.
Technology makes it easier for these families to stay in touch -- but it doesn't match up to the physical contact.
"You really want to see them in person instead of on the Internet because you want to feel that they're still with you," said Slise.
A sweet homecoming that will be even better Thursday.
"Tomorrow brings a whole new day of sweets," said Smith.
80 soldiers and airmen returned to Arkansas Wednesday. Another 50 returned on Thanksgiving.
