MANCHESTER -- For the last year, her husband has been in Afghanistan fighting for our freedom. Thursday afternoon, Heather Johnson of Milford had a hard time fighting back the tears.

“It’s been so long,” said Johnson, hugging her husband, Spc. Joseph Johnson. “The hardest part was knowing he was in New Jersey, and still had a long bus ride to get here. It couldn’t come quick enough.”

Spc. Johnson and over 170 other soldiers, all members of the U.S. Army Reserves 368th Engineer Battalion, were reunited with family and friends during a “Welcome Home” ceremony at Southern New Hampshire University. The unit deployed to Afghanistan Jan. 13, 2011, to support coalition forces by serving as the battalion headquarters of five subordinate companies responsible for various construction projects throughout Kandahar and the country’s southern provinces.

The SNHU gymnasium nearly shook with the ovation released when Lt. Col. Greg Scott ended the ceremony with the word, “Dismissed.”

“I remember her a little smaller,” said Spc. Johnson, looking at his daughter, Willow, 16 months. “Now she’s this big. I couldn’t wait to see them. It’s hard being away, but something like this is great coming back to.”

“This feeling can’t be explained,” Sgt. John Clogston said. “It’s an awesome feeling.”

Over the course of their deployment, the members of the 368th Engineer Battalion completed a total of 8,610 miles in patrol security detail duties, in support of 90 convoys throughout the year. As a unit, they were awarded six Purple Hearts (a seventh is still pending), and acquired more than 160 Combat Action badges.

“I remember a year ago, in the days before our deployment, meeting with families and talking about their concerns,” said Lt. Col. Scott. “I made a promise to them that I would do my best to lead them to the best of my ability, and return their loved ones to them safe, knowing the enemy would have a say in that equation as well. I’m proud to say that every member is back today safe.”

Gov. John Lynch spent some time before the start of the ceremony visiting with family members and children throughout the gymnasium.

“These ceremonies are one of my favorite parts of being governor,” said Lynch. “The sacrifices these men and women have made. Not just the soldiers, but the families that are left here waiting for them. The daily things they go through, that every family goes through, but they get through them with one serving so far away. And particularly at this time of year, we’re reminded that they have missed the holidays. And to know they are all back safe, it’s a great feeling to see that on everyone’s faces.”

“We want to thank you for your service, and to thank your families for all your sacrifices,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., addressing the troops and families during the ceremony.

Aides representing Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte and Congressman Frank Guinta also gave remarks.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Stone of Laconia carried his nephew, Connor O’Rourke, 4, on his shoulders. The boy, much lighter than any pack Stone shouldered in Kandahar, wore a plastic Army helmet as wide as the smile on his face.

“I’m very proud,” said Connor.