After spending a year away from home, Nearly 180 Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers will return back to Nebraska Friday afternoon.

The soldiers are part of the 600th Transportation Unit based out of Omaha.

Specialist Matthew Engler is just one of the dozens of soldiers who will return home Friday, after being stationed at Talil Air Base in Iraq.

The soldiers were responsible for providing convoy security for American and coalition convoys throughout the country.

After being gone for a year, Engler's family is excited to welcome him home.

It's been a year in the making, with final preparations now down to the wire.

For Deb Engler, Friday was a day she thought would never get here.

Her son, Specialist Matthew Engler, will return from his first deployment to Iraq.

"It was kind of unique. The waiting has been long at times. With the homecoming, it'll be wonderful. The soldiers are excited to be home," said Deb.

Families like the Englers are just as excited as their soldiers.

"It's also an empty spot in the house. You know that somebody's missing. It will be good to have him back," said Deb.

That's why the Engler's have been preparing for this day for several weeks.

"Along with the rest of the families, I've been doing my last minute housework. I've been remodeling a bathroom actually kind of in anticipation, and keeping my mind off of the wait," said Deb.

Last December, Matthew was home on leave to spend a few weeks with his family just before Christmas.

"When you're back home, you kind of realize what matters, especially after being away so long without anybody," said Matthew while on home from leave.

Five months later, Matthew gets a chance to come home again, this time for more than a few weeks.

"We're just going to have some family time, I hope, over the weekend, and kind of just a bonding, reuniting time," said Deb.

Until then, Deb will continue to prepare for her soldiers' homecoming, and count down the hours until her son is home for good.

"We are very proud. Extremely proud of our son, and his choice of getting into the guard, and we support him 110 percent with his choices," said Deb.

The 600th Transportation Unit is expected to arrive in Lincoln Friday afternoon. A private ceremony will be held for soldiers and their families.

Deb says Matthew is excited to sleep in his own bed, hang out with family and friends, and drive his new Mustang he bought while in Iraq.

The Unit is disbanding in September, and will no longer exist after that. That's why the group made commemorative t-shirts to honor their last deployment.