Thirty soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard returned home Sunday from the Phillippines.

The men and women were greeted with lei and balloons. The soldiers are part of the joint special operations task force. They spent six months in the Philippines in support of operation enduring freedom.

For one family the day was extra special.

"He's never met her, today will be the first day," said Cherie Lyman.

"Well one month after I left my daughter was born, so she's 5 months now, and this is the first time I've seen her," said Spc. Daniel Lyman.

During their deployment Hawaii guardsmen provided security and helped improve schools and hospitals.

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