WEST POINT -- The 104 soldiers from Virginia National Guard's West Point-based 237th Engineer Company returned home today after nearly a year in Iraq.

They were greeted by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and others during a ceremony at the West Point High School.

After the short ceremony, the soldiers quickly gathered with family and friends.

"I haven't seen him forever," said Jessica Beggs of Chester as she hugged Spc. Jacob Grubbs of Hopewell.

The soldiers have been serving in Iraq since September, where they specialized in demolitions and light infantry tactics.

Four of the company's soldiers were killed during the mobilization and deployment.