Returning reservist and active-duty airmen receive a heroes welcome at the U.S. Air Force Museum.

Friends and family were on hand Wednesday for a celebration honoring airmen who have recently returned from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organizers say the event is a way to say "thank you" to the airmen for their service and dedication.

Airman, Caroline Mejia just returned from Afghanistan in May.  She said, "I went to Afghanistan as a medical technician just to help at the hospital with the wounded soldiers and local nationals, which we helped out a lot."

Her husband is glad she's back home, safe and sound.

Ramon Mejia said, "I was nervous about her going over there, just basically the things she had to do.  I was really unsure of what she'd be going through."

Mejia is proud of her work, but she did miss some comforts of home.

Mejia said, "I missed just fast food in general, being able to watch tv."

Senior Airman, Chester Gamble, just got back from Iraq, where he worked with detainees.

Gamble said, "We pretty much provided security and ensured that all detainees in Iraq were treated humanely with dignity and respect."

Gamble says he's thrilled to see his wife and three kids, but he says driving in the U.S. will take some getting used to again.

He said, "It's hard to drive a vehicle that doesn't weigh five tons. I've been cutting my corners wide. It's definitely been different."

Both Gamble and Mejia say they appreciate the warm welcome home.

Caroline Mejia said, "It's a good opportunity for the family and airmen to get reacquainted, to let them know that the people do care about them and they appreciate their service."

To date, more than 18-hundred base airmen have participated in five previous "Heroes" events.