Troop Returns for Getty Images

As the Pentagon continues to withdraw combat forces from Afghanistan, Kentucky's two major Army Posts have seen thousands of troops return home to their friends and families. Over the past year I've been able to cover a handful of military homecomings for Getty Images at both Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. While most homecoming ceremonies follow the same script, witnessing all of the smiles, tears, and hugs between reunited families never get old.


Sgt. John Tejeda of the U.S. Army's Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, embraces his wife Yahaira Tejeda following a homecoming ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky. on Friday, March 21, 2014. About 60 soldiers returned to Fort Campbell after a nine-month combat deployment providing artillery and mortar support for coalition forces in Afghanistan. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)



Troops from the U.S. Army's Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, disembark a charter flight at Campbell Army Airfield on Friday, March 21, 2014 in Fort Campbell, Ky. About 60 soldiers returned to Fort Campbell after a nine-month combat deployment providing artillery and mortar support for coalition forces in Afghanistan. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)


Army wife Stephanie Frutig holds her son Abram Frutig, 1, as she awaits the arrival of her husband Sgt. Austin Frutig at Fort Campbell, Ky.


Troops from the U.S. Army's Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, arrive at homecoming ceremony at Campbell Army Airfield on Friday, March 21, 2014 in Fort Campbell, Ky. About 60 soldiers returned to Fort Campbell after a nine-month combat deployment providing artillery and mortar support for coalition forces in Afghanistan. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)


Angus Starcher, 2, awaits the arrival of his father Sgt. Kenneth Starcher of the U.S. Army's Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, before. a homecoming ceremony at Campbell Army Airfield.


A soldier from the U.S. Army's Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, kisses his girlfriend during a homecoming ceremony.


Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, arrive by bus to a homecoming ceremony in the Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox on Thursday, February 27, 2014 in Fort Knox, Ky. About 100 soldiers returned to Fort Knox after a nine-month combat deployment conducting village stability operations and working alongside Afghan military and police forces. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)


An American flag flies from the rucksack of soldier with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, upon their return to Fort Knox, Ky.


Sgt. D.J. Diener embraces his wife Jackie Diener following a homecoming ceremony on Fort Knox.


Bella Hanley, 3, high fives Sgt. Frank Passmore while sitting atop her dad Spc. Jeffrey Hanley following a homecoming ceremony on Fort Knox.


Pfc. Brian Lang of the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, holds his son Johnathan Lang, 2, following a homecoming ceremony.


Army Pvt. Daniel Cianella sweeps the floor following a welcome home ceremony for members of the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Thanks for looking!
**Photos copyright Luke Sharrett and Getty Images**

Posted by Luke S at 10:39 PM