Hundreds of Fort Hood families got the gift of a lifetime this morning, as a Christmas Eve homecoming brings the last of our troops home from Iraq.
The 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion returned from southern Iraq after being gone for nearly a year.
For one soldier in particular, it's a Christmas he says he just couldn't miss.
A Christmas present wrapped in green came via air delivery for Kristiana Deweese and her 11-month old son Bronc.
Spc. Brian Hamedi hasn't seen Bronc since he was two weeks old.
"This is the best Christmas present ever. This is his first Christmas, so him getting his dad for his first Christmas is really special," said Kristiana.
While deployed Brian missed Bronc's first steps, first tooth, and first word, which was "Dadda," but "Dadda" made it home for Bronc's first Christmas.
"I'm really happy that I can be here for it. I want to be there for the first of everything, and I've missed a lot so, I'm ready to not miss any more," Spc. Hamedi said.
And the woman who was there for all his firsts couldn't wait to get her arms around him at last.
"I'm just really excited to see him and spend time with him and have him home where he's safe," said his mother Shelly Hamedi.
Now he and nearly 200 soldiers returning to Fort Hood today are home safe, marking the end of a 9-year war.
"I was on the last convoy out, which is real good to be a part of history, but I'm just trying to be a part of my family's history now," said Brian.
Some family history soon to be on the books -- a new year and first birthday, but first, one very happy holiday.
"It's so special to have him home for Christmas," said Kristiana.
The troops now have a four day pass to spend with their families.
Video Journalist: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com
