The 82 members of the 342nd Military Police unit served in Iraq training Iraqi police officers.

Family and friends gathered at Fort Hayes Reserve Army Base on Sunday night to welcome home the soldiers.

SLIDESHOW:  Soldiers Return Home

It was an emotional wait for parents.

"A lot of emotions and I can finally take a deep breath," said Alan Smith, whose son, Army Spc. Anthony Smith, was returning home after serving a year in Iraq.

Smith said that he expected to see a big change in his son.

"You send your child off as a child and you know they are coming home a changed person," he said.

Smith said his son was wounded when a grenade struck his unit. He received a purple heart for his bravery.

Four other members of the unit received purple hearts on their tour of duty.

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