Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... thankful for a safe return from Iraq

The yellow ribbons say it all ... honoring America's heroes.

Flags line Thornrose Avenue at the Armory entrance.
Patriot Guard Riders escort the soldiers of the 116th Stonewall Brigade.

First of four charter buses bringing home the Stonewall Brigade.

Adjunct General Robert Newman arrives by helicopter.

Soldiers disembark from buses.

Soldiers and family members enter Armory for welcome home ceremony.

All paused for a prayer of thanksgiving for their safe return.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte welcomes the 116th home.

Hundreds turned out to welcome home the 116th Stonewall Brigade as they returned to the Armory in Staunton.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte as well as Staunton officials greeted them ... Augusta GOP Chairman Kurt Michael, Trixie Averill (RPV State Central), Andrea Oakes and family, Bob Campbell (candidate for City Council) ... Grace Christian School students crowded the street with signs and American flags. (One of the dads was coming home with the Stonewall Briagade; Chairman Kurt Michael's two children attend that school as well as the grandchildren of Don and Harold Reid -- the Statler Brothers.)

More stories and photos at:

- Spark It Up!!!
- College Republican Federation of Virginia blog
- Waynesboro News Virginian - Families reunite with troops
- Waynesboro News Virginian - Slide Show

- Waynesboro News Virginian - Crowd shares warm welcome

Photos by SWAC Girl