Several young, old and middle aged mothers got heartfelt gifts in time for mother's day as their loved ones returned home from active duty in Iraq.

Thirty-three marine reserves were escorted by Sheriff's deputies and a firetruck as they made their way back home into Peoria earlier today.

The members of Charlie Company got a police and firetruck escort into the city followed by members of the Patriot Guard just after 11:00 a.m.

Armed with banners, signs and plenty of cameras, friends and family applauded as the bus carrying the marine reservist pulled into the reserve center.

The troops are returning from 10 months of active duty at Camp Fallujah, Iraq where they conducted several missions including security patrols and convoy operations.

During their mission in Iraq, the Marine Reserves conducted route clearing duties, security patrols, and convoy operations.

Keith Kampen said, "I had my friends that I went with, we all stuck together and helped each other get through the hard times and what not. And then I had the hope of coming back to my family, that kept me going."

His mother, Cammy Kampen, said, "Felt like forever, it's good to see him back."

Another Marine, Brian Page, added, "Time went by pretty quick. It was busy. They kept us busy over there so it was nice coming home."

After reuniting with family members the troops went inside the reserve center for a brief ceremony.

One Marine reservist had a special gift waiting for him, a baby girl born while he was on active duty.