Dozens of Army reservists return to SoCal

SOUTH EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Dozens of local Army reservists returned home Sunday afternoon following a one-year deployment in Iraq.

Family and friends gave the 52 soldiers a big welcome - they kissed, laughed and hung on to each other.

Children were clearly thrilled to be back in their fathers' arms. A couple of newlyweds said they waited a long time for the reunion.

"He was home in March, which is when we got married. We've been married for five months and I've only seen him about seven days of that, so it's nice to have him home," said Diandra Poyos.

Her husband, Sgt. Javier Poyos, said he's glad to be back.

"The lord watched over me. I'm back here, and I can be with my wife," he said.

Members of the 250th Transportation Company operate some of the army's largest trucks, transporting tanks and other equipment to and from the battlefield.

Sgt. Jeannie Juarez was surrounded by family and given a four-paw salute by her dog.

"My little dog is happy to see me, too. She missed me," said Juarez.

The soldiers returning from their first deployment were honored with Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Awards.

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iraq, u.s. troops, los angeles news, amy powell

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