PENSACOLA, FL - Friends and family gathered today to welcome 50 soldiers home from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Pensacola based National Guard Unit had been deployed for more than a year.

Channel Three's Laurie Bernstein rode on the last leg of their trip with them and joins us live with more.

We followed on man from getting off the plane.

It truly was a journey to get here.

Take a look at it though the eyes of one soldier.

As these National Guard soldiers take their first steps off the plane on Pensacola ground, the excitement begins to mount.

"Its great haven't got words. Its great to be back."

For Sgt. Frank Twiss its been a year since he's seen his family.

As he gets on the bus that will take him to the National Guard Armory, the butterflies start to settle in.

"It's going to be a shock to see them. Like I'm starting over. I know my kids have changed, she's changed, Ive changed.

As they drive through the streets of Pensacola, traffic comes to a standstill.

As complete strangers take the time to welcome these heroes home which means the world to Sgt Twiss and his fellow soldiers.

Knowing you are doing something for a reason. Not just stuck over there. You need the support and we appreciate very bit we get.

As they drive down the final stretch to the armory, Sgt Twiss catches a glimpse of his family.

I need to get off this bus. I feel like I'm walking down the aisle getting ready to say I do.

But first comes formations. The atmosphere getting more and more tense.

Nervous nervous as I get out. Are your hands shaking? My whole body is shaking

Finally the big moment arrives the one they have been waiting for so long. I don't have any words, so happy to be back here with them I miss them.

We're not done with covering the arrival of the battalion.

We'll be going to one of the homes of the soldiers as he re-adjusts to normal life.5 PM Pensacola National Guard Unit Returns Home