Scott Smail had yearned for this moment ever since that first time he held her in September, when Olivia was born a month premature. Though his yearlong deployment was interrupted when Olivia was born, seeing pictures for the past five months didn't compare to cradling his newborn for the first time in months. "It's priceless," Smail declared as Olivia looked on wide awake. "I can't explain it. I've been looking forward to this since she was born." Another Missouri Army National Guard soldier, James Street III of Warrenton, also was eager to acquaint himself with his 7-month-old son. "I was anxious to see him," Street said. "I haven't had time to meet him." In all, eight soldiers and their families were recognized for having babies during the yearlong deployment. Nearly 100 members of the Warrenton-based 3175th MP Company were part of 1,000 soldiers from Missouri who returned home from Kosovo Sunday, March 8.. Other ceremonies were held in De Soto, St. Louis and Jefferson City over the weekend. Three charter buses carrying the 3175th MP unit were escorted by local emergency vehicles and the American Legion Patriot Freedom Riders on westbound Interstate 70. A standing-room only crowd was on hand at the Missouri National Guard Armory to welcome home the unit. Dignitaries at Sunday's ceremony included Michelle Sherod, representing Sen. Claire McCaskill, and Gary Marble, representing Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer. Warrenton Mayor Greg Costello also was on hand and accepted a plaque from Capt. Joy Grimes recognizing the city for its support of the troops. Two other local organizations, the Elks Lodge and Goodies For You (G4U), also were honored for their contributions to the soldiers. The unit's mission was to help maintain stability in Kosovo as the country continued to move forward after declaring itself independent from Serbia about a year ago. The local soldiers worked alongside other U. S. troops and various other countries to improve the quality of life through school, bridge and water improvement projects, according to a National Guard release. The 3175th MP unit was commanded by Capt. Grimes of Kansas City and 1st Sgt. Tim Meers of St. Peters. The soldiers said they relished the opportunity to return to American soil including Ian Schatz of Warrenton. Before he headed to Kosovo, he spent a year in Afghanistan. "It's been a long time," Schatz acknowledged. "I am kind of taking it all in right now. I am really happy to be home." One Warrenton family watched as their son and mother-in-law exit from the buses that brought them home. For Curtis Leavitt, this was his first deployment while his wife's mother, Kelly Keene, just wrapped up her second tour following a 15-year break from being in Iraq. Leavitt's children, 3-year-old Emma and 4-month-old Olivia, eagerly waited to see their dad and grandma. "I'm ready to come home, ready to be home," Keene said. Many of the troops said they just wanted to find a restaurant and eat some American food. Then it was time to relax and reacquaint themselves with family and friends. Before the ceremony ended, Col. Michelle Melton quipped it was the soldiers' turn to take care of mowing the grass and doing the dishes now that they were home. "Let us remember the good deeds you all accomplished," she said. "You went where you were sent. You are what makes and keeps America great." She later added, "Welcome home, warriors."