A journey separating loved ones for the past year is now complete.

Saturday, about a hundred soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard’s 951st Sapper Engineer Company returned from Afghanistan.

After flying into Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee, the soldiers were greeted at a brief celebration in the City of Tomahawk's downtown.

Shortly thereafter, they headed to Rhinelander.

They then were treated to a welcome home rally at Rhinelander High School just hours later.

One soldier’s daughter shared with Newschannel 7 her emotional reunion with her father.

"When he hugs really hard, he shakes, and he was shaking a lot. And it was very, very awesome to be in his arms again," said Sidney Peterson, who welcomed home her father Rick.

"I’m usually pretty tough on the outside. It's really great to see him again," said Peterson.

A returning soldier talked about how he felt when he finally arrived home.

"Feels great. It's been a long year, but, it went by pretty fast," said Sgt. Mark McClure.

Kelly Sigler, McClure’s sister, was relieved to see her brother arrive home safely.

"It’s amazing, like he said, it's been a really long year and I didn't realize how worried about him I was until I got here, and all the people. It just kind of all hit," said Sigler.

McClure’s niece was also there to greet him.

"I’m just so happy to be home and see my family again. See my beautiful niece and beautiful sister."

Support by both Tomahawk and Rhinelander communities overwhelmed all the soldiers in their return.

"You expect a bunch of people, but you're still surprised. Very happily surprised," said McClure.

And so was his sister.

"Just the patriotism in the community, and you know, it's almost just overwhelming," said Sigler.

"It's just so warm, you know, it's like there's a lot of people that come, and it feels real good to have a lot of support," said McClure.

During Saturday’s celebration at Rhinelander High School, the unit took a moment to thank both communities for their support.

They also remembered Sgt. First Class Ryan C. Adams of Rhinelander.

Adams died from injuries sustained in a grenade attack October 2nd.