Thanks to a $50,000 dollar donation, some Eastern Kentucky troops are home tonight.

Some families wondered if the 201st Engineering Battalion would make it home before they deployed for Afghanistan but after a generous donation from a Western Kentucky businessman, they made it.

It was a morning of hugs smiles tears and even silly string here in Floyd County as the 201st Engineering Battalion was welcomed home. Family and friends gathered early Friday morning waiting for their soldiers to arrive.

After a 16 hour bus ride from Wisconsin, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends hugged the men as the unloaded each bus.

"I'm just happy. We're just going to enjoy the days that he has here before they leave again, and we're just going to spend it up as much as we can," said Paula Froschauer.

"I get to spend these extra six days with them and when they go back, nothing's certain and you don't know if you're going to get to spend another six days with them or not," said Kristi Hurt.

Though most guardsmen say they are looking forward to the mission, right now, the only place they want to be is with their family.

"Missing your family's the biggest thing because without family you really, there's really a whole lot of you that's missing," said Zachariah Froschauer.

"A good bunch of guys. They're hard workers and I'm looking forward to just getting there and getting back so I can be with my family again," said David Perry.

Each soldier plans to make the most of the next six days.

"I hope they have a good time home, because it's going to be a year before we get to come back home again," Zachariah said.

These six days will be the last time the troops see their families before they head overseas to Afghanistan.

The 201st Engineering Battalion is made up of soldiers from across the state including Prestonsburg and Ashland. Soldiers will leave Wednesday to finish up their training before leaving for Afghanistan.