Families welcome their Airmen home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Christmas came Thursday night for some western New York military families who welcomed their loved ones home from a long tour of duty in Afghanistan.

They've been waiting for this moment for months.

Military mom Pam Korff said, "Six months a long six months. I'm going to cry a long six months."

Mom Jo Marie Dickinson said, "I can't even describe it. It's just wonderful; it's been the longest six months...the longest six months."

Military families rolled out a warm western New York welcome for the Airmen returning home from Afghanistan. For months, these men and women have focused on being reservists. Thursday night, they were sisters, brothers, fathers, sons.

"I told everybody I'm the first hug. Nobody better get in my way," said Dickinson.

After the hugs and handshakes, they have few requests.

SSg. AJ Dickinson of the 914th Airlift Wing said, "Eating some real food. Sleep. Hanging out with these guys. Watching the Sabres win a hockey game."

"Good to be home. It's a long journey. I'm just really tired and want to get home," said Sr. Airman Bryan Korff of the 914th Airlift Wing.

Which is exactly where their families want them, too.

Dickinson said, "It's been wonderful. I'm so proud of him and all the guys."