Photographer: Heather Coit

A young girl watches returning National Guard troops stand in formation during a homecoming for them in Mattoon.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Lee Giboney, Jr., of Champaign, happily holds his 4-month-old son, Jayden.

Photographer: Heather Coit

LaTonya Williams, right, of Champaign, hugs her aunt Brenda Hall.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Families begin to leave JFL Football Field.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Sgt. Gene Darrough, of Flora, has an emotional reunion with daughters Kyrsten, 6, left, and Mia, 3.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Members of Company A and B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion are greeted by friends and family at JFL Football Field in Mattoon.

Photographer: Heather Coit

The Patriot Guard rides ahead of returning National Guard troops from Iraq during a homecoming at JFL Football Field in Mattoon on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Chris Sprague, right, of Effingham, and his wife, Amanda, with son, Isaiah, seven months, wait for returning National Guard troops at JFL Football Field.

Photographer: Heather Coit

A family waits for the arrival of returning National Guard troops at JFL Football Field in Mattoon.

Photographer: Heather Coit

A young girl waits for the arrival of returning National Guard troops.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Friends, family and supporters watch the Patriot Riders enter JFL Football Field in Mattoon.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Friends and family wait for the arrival of returning National Guard troops at JFL Football Field.

Photographer: Heather Coit

Two girls cheer the arrival of returning National Guard troops at JFL Football Field.