CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fifty North Carolina National Guard airmen returned after a 120-day deployment to southwest Asia.
The airmen supported central command airlift missions throughout the region.
It took the airmen several days to get home, but they said it was great to finally be back.
"It feels lonely, knowing they're far away and there's nothing you can do for them if things go wrong. But you just got to do what you have to do, and then complete the mission and come home," said Robert Onesios, with the NC Air National Guard.
A family member said she's used to her father going on missions, but watching him leave doesn't get any easier.
"It's kind of hard but this about the fourth time so one more time to go. Hopefully this is the last time he goes over," said Mackenzie Garlick.
The airmen who returned will get to spend some time resting with their families. Then they'll be back preparing for a new mission.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Police search for gunman after 2 shot, 1 killed
- Officers: Home of accused Satanist, murderer covered in filth
- Convicted felon Patrick Cannon to face judge after casting ballot
- MEDIC: 1 found shot at west Charlotte credit union
- Union Co. deputies: Boy beaten, chained to tree
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
