Those familiar with or who have taken part in a post-deployment ceremony or surprise homecoming know how powerful a moment it can be. As soldiers from the famous 10th Mountain Division returned safely to the North Country, a select few waited patiently.

“They are late, and my lipstick feels sweaty,” said Danielle Fischer, the wife of a Fort Drum soldier on his second deployment.

She had not seen her husband in more than nine months, but this is not her first extended absence or "welcome home."

“The last one? I made like three different signs because I made one for his best friend that didn't have anyone coming, and then I made one for him. And [another],” said Danielle while holding her handmade sign for husband, Sgt. Alexander Fischer, to see.

A second time around didn’t make her any less anxious, though.

“I'll try to wait for him, but I'll probably start running to be honest,” she remarked.

Sgt. Alexander Fischer and the light infantry unit had been delayed in their return several times, including their last 24 hours on deployment trying to make it back from Afghanistan. This made the wait just that much more intense this time around for Danielle.

“I was like more relaxed last time. This time, I'm a lot more nervous, and I don't really know why, but this will be the last time,” she said while her eyes paced the ranks of uniforms preparing to officially wrap up their deployment. “There’s so many of them. How am I supposed to know which one is him with all these masks on?”

But with practice comes a keen eye and a full heart.

“I knew it was you,” Danielle said, running up to her husband after the unit was dismissed from formation.

The excitement of a tour well served may not be bringing this pair to tears, but the lot of "polar bears," as these soldiers go by, are finally back safe on American soil, knowing they’ve done what they could for their mission.

“It's really exciting. I mean, a lot of delays and a lot of waiting and waiting and waiting and I've got to do it and then I'm ready to get out,” said Alexander. “I was able to be in Afghanistan and then came back and now I can just get out.”

On the horizon, plenty of rest and relief as the Fischers have been together for 11 years and married for the last five. The reunited couple is looking forward to moving into a new home in the next couple of months.