CHEST SPRINGS, BLAIR COUNTY - After nearly a year of fighting in Iraq, first cousins, Allen Little, Ryan Little and Adam Diehl landed at Fort Dix in New Jersey early Wednesday morning.

Their family got their text messages in the middle of the night telling them they are safe and sound.

The family has been celebrating since the men’s arrival, but It wasn't always so joyous, the day the men boarded the plane to go to Iraq their grandfather passed away, but that didn't stop them from their mission.

While over there, the men were together. Allen and Ryan were in the same Stryker, and Adam was always near-by working in the same company.

Allen Little is a newlywed. He and his wife Amber celebrated their first anniversary thousands of miles apart, but that distance didn't keep Allen from calling his bride on their special day.

Like Allen, Ryan and Adam, hundreds of our local soldiers are state side right now.
Officials say they expect them to be back in their home towns in the middle of next week.