'Most surreal feeling.' Members of the 82nd Airborne Division returning from Poland reunited with loved ones

In February, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, about 5,000 members of the 82nd Airborne Division got ready to board planes at the Green Ramp to show support for NATO allies in Europe.

"They did immediate training. They gave them some equipment. They worked with some artillery units, some [M142 HIMARS] rocket systems and they did what the 82nd Airborne does — whatever's needed worldwide for national defense," said Dan Dederick, the North Carolina's Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army.

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On Tuesday, the formation didn't last long, the welcome home speech was short and then, it began.

Specialist Christopher Weiss hadn't seen his wife and two children in four months prior to Tuesday.

"He's changed a lot," Weiss said about his child. "But you know what, I'm just glad to be home."

"As a family, we pushed through. We supported each other, stayed motived and positive for him, so, to have him home is the most surreal feeling every," said Weiss' wife, Victoria.

Inside each of Tuesday's hugs and kisses is a unique story. Joe Martin is a former member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He and his family were at the Green Ramp to welcome back Sgt. Mike Martin, who was born in 2001 just before 911.

"He's been with us through nine deployments in our family and has carried on," said Martin's mother, Emma.

While soldiers didn't enter the combat zone between Russia and Ukraine, military leaders said the role the 82nd Airborne played was crucial in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia's hostile takeover.

"They're doing training for the Ukrainians, and it's very rapid training," said Dederick. "Some of these weapon systems, they're not used to and our soldiers are training them on how to use them to protect themselves from Russian aggression."

Whenever Fort Bragg soldiers deploy it has a direct impact on Fayetteville's economy. Businesses in the area are linked to the Post in more ways than one.

"Not only in the business part but staffing. I mean, some of our military wives, spouses, boyfriend, girlfriends ... when they leave, sometimes our staff leaves," said Linda Higgins with Luigi's Restaurant.

That's why Tuesday's homecoming, with all the hugging and kissing, is so important to the community.

"It's always great to seem them come back into the Green Ramp safe and with their loved ones and thank God they're OK," said Dederick.