OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska National Guard soldiers deployed for 22 months in Iraq came back home to their families on Sunday morning.

Close to 5,000 people came to Haymarket Park in Lincoln to welcome home the 250 soldiers of the 167th Cavalry, 134th Infantry Division.

"We've been waiting for this day for a long time," said John Brehm, father of SFC Jeff Brehm.

John Brehm escorted his son's bus to Lincoln along with more than 200 Patriot Guard Riders.

"Everybody wants to see these guys come home, and bring them home in style, so that's what we're here for," said Cliff Leach, captain of the Nebraska Patriot Guard Riders.

The soldiers were in five buses in a welcome home convoy that stretched for miles.

"I just thought, you know this was a day that would never come, especially after the extension, it's just so great to have him finally be here," said military wife Tricia Dloughy.

The welcome-home was overwhelming for the soldiers to see.

"I didn't expect this many people, it's just amazing, I didn't expect that many people lining the streets," said Sgt. Cory Cooper.

Gov. Dave Heineman, LTC Martin Apprich, Gen. Roger Lempke and Sen. Ben Nelson spoke at a ceremony in Haymarket Park to salute the soldiers.

As they were dismissed, the soldiers were asked to live as citizen-soldiers, to put family and job first, and to share their stories with others.

They will not be deployed again for at least 12 months.