Black Hawk Unit Gets Welcome Home From Afghanistan In Sacramento

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A California National Guard Black Hawk unit got a big welcome home in Sacramento after serving nine months in Afghanistan.

CBS13 was there as 15 soldiers' family and friends greeted them right after landing at Sacramento International Airport.

It was an emotional day for the families who have waited nearly a year for their loved ones to return.

"Words don't even describe it," said soldier Kevin Vinatieri.

The members of the California National Guard Unit medevac team were on standby every day answering calls to take the wounded off the battlefield.

"Always on duty, medevac standby waiting for any Afghani nationals all the way to obviously our personnel," said Sgt. Cody Weaver.

For Weaver, his first day home is also the first time he's seeing his 4-month-old son Wyatt.

"Seeing him for the first time is really amazing," he said. "There is truly no words to describe seeing a 4-month-old child you've been dying to meet."

His wife, Jennifer, found out she was pregnant with their third child just a few days before he was deployed.

"It's been a long journey with him being gone, taking care of three boys. But it's worth it," she said.

On their first day back home, the team members say they'll catch up with family and friends.

"And talk about all the times we missed and have to look forward to," said Brandon Lynch.

Everyone at the airport happy the unit is safely back home and thanking them for the job they did for our country.

"There are no words to describe when somebody comes up to you and thanks you for saving their life and getting them off the battlefield," he said.