'Lots of smiles': Local Airmen receive heartwarming homecoming

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It was a big day for the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing, as local Airmen received a heartwarming homecoming.

It was a lot of big smiles and happy tears at the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base Wednesday, Oct. 30, as nearly 100 Airmen completed their journey home.

"There's nothing quite like it, coming home to your family," said Corey Villarreal a Master Sergeant for the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing.

Serving 3 months on a mission in Qatar, Airmen were eager to return home to their loved ones.

"Even in three months things change," said Charles Merkel, the Wing Commander for the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing. "So, it's exciting to come back and see that."

Hundreds of families counting down the minutes to be reunited with their loved ones.

"Just lots of smiles," said Carla Villarreal, a Tech Sergeant for the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing. "We went to sleep, and we were so excited, now he's back and we just couldn't be happier."

Greeting their heroes with signs and open arms.

"It's amazing," said Sgt. Corey Villarreal. "I really I'm kind of speechless for that."

Samantha Cardarelle, a Boom Operator for the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing experienced a special landing full of love, as she was proposed to on the tarmac.

"Is this really happening," said Cardarelle. "Is he really doing this in front of everybody right now and yup he did."

One ending becoming a new beginning.

"It was a really emotional moment because this is like the first beginning chapter of our new life," said Nick Rocci, who proposed to Cardarelle. "It's kind of cool to do that with her friends and family and everyone around it."