Old friends reunited as soldier comes home

Dozens of soldiers done with their tour in Afghanistan came home to Idaho on Sunday.

If you happened to be at the Idaho Falls or Pocatello airports Sunday, chances are you caught a glimpse of a homecoming or two – maybe one of your own.

Jessica Sterling was waiting for a year, but her wait was over for her high school friend, Army Spc. John Bowman.

Bowman had been in Afghanistan for a year as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic.

But on Sunday, the only thing on his docket was reconnecting with the friends who never stopped waiting.

“This is the first time you meet John, huh? You were still cooking when he was here,” said Sterling to her daughter, who was born after Bowman left on his tour.

“Just so excited,” said Sterling. “It’s so good to see John again. It’s been a long time.”

“You’re sitting on the airplane all those hours and you’re thinking, ‘I’m not there yet. I’m not there,'” said Bowman.

But just like that, he’s back.

The Idaho Falls Military Affairs Committee was also on hand to welcome Bowman home.

Three more soldiers were set to arrive home at the Pocatello Airport on Sunday.