VIDEO: Servicemen and women welcomed home at Camp Ripley

Brainerd-based Minnesota National Guard Task Force 1-194 started returning Friday, and their loved ones were there to greet them.

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After spending about a year in the Middle East across nine different countries — including helping with the evacuation in Afghanistan last August — these servicemen and women were happy to be home.

KSTP Photojournalist Kevin Bubach captured their hugs, smiles and happy tears as families reunited.