Bittersweet return as Falcon Brigade paratroopers come home

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina (WTVD) -- It's a bittersweet homecoming for hundreds of paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne's Falcon Brigade. During its nine-month deployment in the fight against ISIS, the brigade lost three of its own. They were stationed in Iraq and Syria.

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Some families shared kisses and hugs. Others held signs to greet their soldiers.

"Daddy, I'm so glad you're home. Being the man of the house is hard. You can have your job back," said Lt. Col. Sean McGee's son.

Unexplainable emotions filled the air at the Green Ramp on post.

"We've done separation but this is by far the longest we've ever been apart, so to have him home and safe is the greatest reward," said Renee Semerar, the fiancée of First Lt. Jack Semerar.

McGhee was greeted by his wife and their newest addition. He's meeting his 2-month-old baby girl, Emma Lynn Grace, for the first time.

"It's been busy dealing with the kids by myself, but we did it. I'm really happy," said his wife.

Nothing but happiness and love filling the air. For the Monesi family, this reunion is a bittersweet one.

"I lost my dad while he was gone and so that made it very difficult. We loss my brother-in-law so we had two deaths," said Mary Monesi, the mother of Sgt. Dominic Monesi.

These are moments you can't get back, but it's time sacrificed serving for a country so many love.

"Now that we're back, it will reset everybody and give them time to slow down a bit. Then, we'll prepare for whatever it is the nation needs us to do next," said brigade commander Col. Pat Work.