KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - More than 50 soldiers are home with their families after being in the Middle East since March.

It was a heartwarming day in Lenoir City for families of the 253rd Military Police Company.

After 6 months in Iraq, soldiers with the Tennessee National Guard 253rd Military Police Academy are back in East Tennessee.

Proffit "We built with the people of the unit and we're glad to be home," says specialist Bradley Proffit with the 253rd.

A handful arrived in Lenoir City to their families, some they are just meeting for the first time.

"Am I dreaming? Am I going to wake up?" says 253rd member, John Sapp.

As 2-month-old Candace takes her first bottle from her dad, Sapp can't take his eyes off her.

"Feels great. Kind of like the 2 boys, but it means a little more cause I haven't seen her or held her yet."

"I'm fighting back tears, it's something I've been thinking about since the day she was born," says Sapp's wife, Whitney.

1 and 1/2 year old Ryder was crawling when Sapp left. And 2-year-old Zack wore his "daddy pants," as he calls them, because they look like his dad's uniform.

"He's been asking about his daddy for the past week, cause he knew he was coming home," says Whitney.

But to see his wife, "There are no words to describe that. It's overwhelming," says Sapp.

It may take a few days for these soldiers to adjust, but they look forward to relaxing and spending time with their families.

"It's awesome. I'm glad to be home to my wife, my family and glad to be back in Tennessee," says Proffit.

These soldiers are a portion of the 170-person company. The rest of the 253rd are scheduled to return to Tennessee in the Spring of 2011.