Oklahoma National Guard troops' homecoming is twice as nice for Purcell mother

Hundreds of friends and family members gathered at the Oklahoma Air National Guard base at Will Rogers World Airport to welcome home 224 members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. They are part of a group of about 2,200 Oklahoma soldiers who have been deployed to Afghanistan for about a year.

Brock cried after Monday's welcome-home ceremony as she embraced her younger son, Spc. Justin Farrow, 19, of Purcell. A couple of minutes later, she was reunited with her other son, Spc. Jake Farrow, 22, also of Purcell.

“They were not so good on the calls,” Brock said. “I missed the hugs and just being able to touch them.”

Justin Farrow said being deployed with his brother had its advantages and disadvantages.

“It's an extra worry,” he said. “It's someone else to worry about. But on the off-time, it's a blessing to have your brother there. You have someone you can trust, someone you can talk to all the time.”

They are in the same unit, and knowing your brother has your back is a good feeling, Jake Farrow said.