Local troops return home for the holidays

Over 100 Fort Campbell soldiers returned home early this morning to the sound of deafening cheers following their nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

The soldiers are assigned to the 101^st Airborne Division’s 2^nd Brigade Combat Team,

otherwise known collectively as the Strike Brigade.

Lieutenant Colonel Townley Hedrick spoke about the history making assignment the soldiers were tasked to do during their deployment.

The friends and families of the 151 soldiers could hardly contain themselves as they anxiously awaited the arrival of their soldier and it was hard not to be in high spirits, especially with all the fanfare taking place to celebrate the occasion.

Jennifer LaRue, the mother of Captain John LaRue says she was at a loss for words to finally be able to see and talk to her son.

After lining up for formation, soldiers were able to briefly meet with loved ones before they were officially allowed to go home.

First Lieutenant Ryan Hamilton spoke about his thoughts about be home just in time for the holidays.

The completion of this deployment, marks the 6^th time soldiers from the 2^nd Brigade Combat Team deployed to Afghanistan in support of the War on Terrorism.
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