200 Third Brigade soldiers got back in time to spend the weekend with their families.

“I went to bed at 12, woke up at 3:30, tried to go back to sleep, woke up again at 5 and haven't been to sleep since,” said Brandy Wingfield.

For Brandy, the excitement was overwhelming, waiting for her husband, Specialist David Wingfield, to step off the plane from Iraq. She said Friday, she did everything she could think of to pass the time.

“Cleaning... watching TV, riding around town, trying to stay busy,” she said.

“I've had my in-laws here so we've been spending time together and just, I got my hair done and everything… just getting ready and make-up and everything,” said Amber Dover

Once they got to Freedom Hall... not much to do but sit, wait and bond with fellow army wives. Brandy and Amber met while waiting for their husbands. Both said they made fast friends because they can relate to one another. That is what Tracie Leary said got her through 15 months with three kids and a husband overseas.

“We have other wives on the block that their husbands are gone too so, you know, we all try to stick together. Lunch, sports we just stick together. Just to have somebody to talk to,” said Tracie

15 months and a long wait here in Freedom Hall over, soldiers and families said they're ready to make up for lost time.

“I keep him up to date about what's going on in the house but not too much has changed besides you know, they got a lot bigger,” said Tracie.

“I adopted a dog while he was gone, for him. His favorite, a blue tick hound... lots has changed. The world has changed, Ft. Benning has changed,” said Brandy

And Specialist Wingfield says he can't wait to get back into the swing of things.

“Make up for some missed time with family and just basically catch up,” he said.

The next plane of soldiers is scheduled to return Wednesday.