FLOWOOD, Miss. (WJTV) – Dozens of soldiers with the Mississippi Air National Guard were welcomed home on Wednesday.

Family and friends waited more than 11 months for this day to come as the wheels touched down at the Air National Guard base in Flowood. Families were reunited with their loved ones just in time for the holidays.

“I was on this deployment, just returned nine months ago. This is the second rotation that came in behind us to relieve us, the last remaining of the Mississippi soldiers there. I know they’re excited,” said Lt. Col. Frank Querns, with the Mississippi Army National Guard.

The soldiers returned after spending several months overseas. They were supporting Operation Spartan Shield, which helped maintain military posture and strengthen defense relationships with partner nations.

“It feels fantastic. I’m very happy to be home. A little overwhelming, but nothing but excitement for everybody here. It was, it was pretty difficult. There’s a lot of ups and downs to it, sacrifice a lot of time away from your family. But I mean, you have a lot of things given to you, and it’s just pretty simple over there,” said Peyton Page, with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team.

The soldiers said they’re looking forward to enjoying time at home.