Pittsburg ? Friends and family members welcomed home their loved ones this weekend when the 891st Engineering Battalion returned home from Iraq.

“It’s a lot better than being over in Iraq,” Spc. Adam Neeley said. “I’ve been looking forward to this ever since we were deployed.”

The 891st, a Kansas Army National Guard unit, has its battalion headquarters in Iola, with companies and detachments in Augusta, Chanute, Cherryvale, Coffeyville, Pittsburg, Fort Scott and Winfield.

Company A returned to Pittsburg on Saturday, and the soldiers met with their families at Fourth and Broadway streets before marching to the armory.

The return of Sgt. Michael Reed was eagerly awaited by his wife, Michelle, and his mother, Weda Donham.

“I’ve been waiting for him since last July, when he came home for leave,” Michelle Reed said. “Now it feels like it’s been another whole year since I’ve seen him. I just couldn’t wait to see him.”

The battalion was in Iraq for a year, and its soldiers ran more than 200 convoys totaling more than 40,000 miles. It was responsible for disposing of improvised explosive devices, and two soldiers were killed and nine wounded.

“These guys worked their tails off and had one of the most dangerous missions there was in Iraq,” Capt. Shannon Nicklaus said. “It was a prestigious unit, and a great one to work with.”

The battalion arrived in the United States last week and had been at Fort Sill, Okla., until returning home over the weekend. Company B received a similar reception in Coffeyville.

“It feels awesome,” Nicklaus said. “The best part is getting to spend time with your family and relaxing, without having to worry about anything.”