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10News was inside Terminal Two at Lindbergh Field as they were greeted by loved ones.

The nearly dozen guardsmen who call San Diego home were among 160 who returned to California Sunday night from their 11-month deployment.

“This is my home, there's nothing like San Diego,” said California National Guard Alicia Leos of Jamul.

Home too, to dozens of war veterans who came to greet these soldiers upon on their return.

“Just seeing these veterans from years back pay tribute to the young soldiers coming back, is just very heartwarming,” added Leos’ father, Joe, who went to the airport to greet her.

But it’s also a reminder about those who are still there.

“It’s not just about her, it’s about all the men and women who have gone abroad, who are going abroad, and who will be going abroad to serve our country,” added Manuel Leos.

All of the returning soldiers Sunday are with the 870th Military Police Company. They were deployed in February to conduct security forces operations in three different provinces in Afghanistan.

Their unit responded to an insurgent attack in May where they thwarted and then detonated an IED hidden in a vehicle, which prevented numerous civilian deaths.

“We made the city a safer place, we really did. And I am proud of that. I saw the difference,” added Alicia Leos.

A difference also in the lives of loved ones here at home, at this special time of year.

Barbara Leos added, “I'm very proud. I'm the proudest mom ever, what a Christmas!”