45th Infantry Homecoming Unites Father, Son For First Time

The long trip back to the homefront is complete for more than 200 of Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Brigade.

But for one soldier, it was a new face he was anxiously waiting to see -- his newborn son's.

"His daddy has not seen him at all, he'll be four weeks old on Monday," Cindy Evans, the soldier's mother said.

Kevin Hughes is a son who bears the name of the father he's waiting to meet for the first time.

"[My husband] doesn't ever, ever cry, but I think it would be kinda awesome if he did," Amy Hughes said.

Staff Sergeant Kevin Hughes has spent the last nine months in Afghanistan.

Today he, and 260 of his fellow soldiers were welcomed home to a packed house.

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"I just think were all one big family, because we're all going through the same things, same emotions," Cindy Evans said.

A family some 1,000 strong, that's traveled from all over the state.

Anxiously awaiting the moment the hanger bay doors on the Will Rogers Air Base to open.

Accompanied by the sound of the Nation's Preamble, soldiers fall into attention.

Speaker: "We are so glad to have you back in red dirt country, welcome home"

The words so many, have waited so long to hear.

Speaker: "No one, no one hates war more than the solider and their family, because we understand the cost."

A short distance away, a reminder of the soldiers who have gone before them.

Fourteen brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Speaker: "You will always hold the title of hero, veteran solider -- to our family, to our nation and share the proud heritage of the 45th."

Then after a pain-staking 15 minutes, a new chapter begins for the brave soldiers of the 45th.

Bringing a dad face to face with his son for the for the first time – 3-week-old Kevin Dwayne Hughes II.

With a heavy sigh, SSGT Hughes said: "I dreamed about this moment for a long time... finally got to see this little guy."

News On 6 told you the homecoming would be Sunday, but a last-minute change bumped 60 soliders up, allowing them to come home a day early. Tomorrow's event has now been canceled.

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