After nearly a year, hundreds of Fort Carson soldiers are back in the arms of their loved ones.

For months, the only contact these soldiers had with their families and friends were phone calls and e-mails. For months, loved ones felt the painful absence as they navigated their daily lives with their father, daughter, spouse an ocean away.

That's all over for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who returned to Fort Carson early Thursday morning. Loved ones--most likely too excited to notice the hour on the clock--eagerly waited for that moment when their soldier was released to their arms for the first time in ages.

The 2nd BCT, 4th ID deployed to Afghanistan in May and June 2011. During the deployment, the Warhorse Brigade worked closely with the Afghan National Army and Afghan Uniformed Police to increase stability and security throughout Afghanistan.