TYLER - Saturday soldiers returned to East Texas from the war in Afghanistan.
One East Texas soldier is part of a military tradition that spans generations in her family.
Her work in the Air Force will allow those with military traditions of their own to keep some memories.
Dozens gather in the Tyler Pounds lobby waiting for their chance to say thank you.
Among them is proud grandmother, Margie Tuck.
Her granddaughter, Laura Goodman, is coming home.
"Her command is considering sending her in and recommending a bronze star for her work," says Margie Tuck.
Laura comes from a long line of military servants including brothers, parents, and grandparents.
"I was the 1st female in the helicopter squad in the Navy."
Laura is an Air Force photojournalist. Her hundreds of photos are now world-famous.
"She's good at what she does," Ms. Tuck explains.
No matter how fulfilling a career it can be for soldiers and for families of soldiers there's no place like home.
"It almost feels like a dream. I'm afraid I'm going to wake up and be in Afghanistan," Laura Goodman says.
While Laura's happy to see the piney woods again, leaving the desert wasn't as easy as she expected.
"Everyone wanted to stay once we got on the bird. No one wanted to come home because we didn't want to leave anyone behind."
About 95,000 more U.S. troops were left behind but surely not forgotten by those at home.