MANSFIELD, Ohio (AP) -- Relatives have welcomed home the final round of Ohio National Guard members who supported a new aircraft during its debut mission in Afghanistan.

Thirty-two members from the 179th Airlift Wing returned Monday to Mansfield. The News Journal ( http://ohne.ws/JTFIko ) reports they were greeted by a crowd of parents, spouses, children and pets.

Master Sgt. Louie Vail said the reunion was a welcome way to mark a special day. It was her first wedding anniversary with her husband, Lt. Col. Jeff Charette, who was a pilot on the mission.

The returning members spent between three and six months working to support the C-27J Spartan aircraft and get supplies to Army soldiers.

Lawmakers from Ohio have been pressing to save the C-27J cargo plane program from downsizing plans proposed by the Air Force.

---

Information from: News Journal, http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com