Thursday evening, Winchester welcomed back about 80 members of the Headquarters Company Third Battalion, 116-th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. There was a quick welcome home ceremony at the Winchester Armory. After spending months overseas in Iraq and Kuwait, everyone is happy to have them home. Here's one family's story.

We said goodbye to many local soldiers back in July of 2007. Now, our heroes are home!

Cheers erupted from the crowd, as they saw the soldiers filing off of the buses, at the Winchester Armory.

It's been months since these soldiers have stepped foot in Winchester, and their friends and family were so happy to have them safely home.

For the McPeak family, today was a long time coming.

"It was a little bit harder this time," says Joseph McPeak, Headquarters Co., 3rd Battalion. "This was the second time around. I had an idea of what to expect, and it made the days go a little bit longer this time. But we made it."

Goodbyes are always difficult. We were there last summer when the McPeak family said their goodbyes.

"It's really emotional," says Jessica McPeak, Joseph's wife. "And you know, heart-breaking and you're proud of them and everything. You just wish they didn't have to go."

Joseph was sent to Kuwait. He was away from his family for 11 months. But, that was the final goodbye.

"He's done," says Jessica. "He's done with the military now."

Little Claire Grace was born when her father was overseas for the first time.

"I'm happy my daddy's home," says Claire, Joseph's daughter.

This was her dad's second and final deployment. She has grown up a lot since she saw her daddy last, but was eager to tell him about some surprises waiting for him at home.

"We got him cookies and a dog," says Claire.

Now, Joseph and the rest of his fellow soldiers, embark on their next mission... returning to family life.

"How much did you miss daddy? A whole bunch?" asks Jessica.

"Yeah!" says Claire.