Supporters turned out yesterday to honor about 150 citizen soldiers of the Hawai'i Army National Guard who recently returned from deployments overseas.

Spouses and friends cheered the soldiers during the Freedom Salute Ceremony at the Pearl City Cultural Center.

It was a formal welcome home for the soldiers, who had served in Kuwait, Iraq or Afghanistan. There were photo shoots with the brass, performances by a military band and speeches of recognition.

Honored yesterday were members of Company C, 1-207th Aviation Assault Helicopter Battalion, the Light Infantry Training Team Hawai'i Army National Guard, embedded training team, members of the 158th Infantry and the 12th Personnel Service Detachment.

The ceremony has been held for every returning unit, small or large, on every island since 2004 when the first Hawai'i Army National Guard soldier returned home, said Hawai'i Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Robert Lee.

Men and women who served one tour of duty or four over their lifetime of service were recognized. There were two soldiers who had served four deployments and one soldier who had been on three. Most of the soldiers yesterday had been deployed once.

"Today we want to say thank you to the soldiers and their family members," Lee said. "Thank you for allowing us to welcome you back and for the tremendous service you have given to our country and to our state. I know how tough it is for the family to be left alone."

Sgt. 1st Class Maria Durham was among those soldiers recognized yesterday. She returned in June to her husband and son. The 35-year-old Makakilo woman missed her son's birthday while in Kuwait.

"We used video and the webcams a lot," Maria Durham said. " I couldn't give him (her son) a hug, but we got to talk often. I really appreciate them recognizing us today."

Her husband, Jesse, was the one left behind. He was chief cook and bottle washer, holding down the fort.

"Our son would point to the monitor and know that was Mommy," Jesse Durham said. "He thought she was in the computer.

"It is nice that they do this, recognize the family. You learn a lot under fire."

Soldiers received an encased American flag, a commemorative coin and a certificate of appreciation, and children of the soldiers received a footlocker kit that included games and trading cards.

"We recognize family, the employers and the soldiers, no matter how many or how few on every island," said Col. Alika Watts, personnel officer with the 29th Infantry Combat Team Hawai'i Army National Guard.

Chief Warrant Officer Balentin Meza, his pregnant wife and their 3-year-old son walked on stage to receive their recognition. Back in their seats, their son was interested in opening the box of games.

"I think it's a great thing," Meza said. "It's something to recognize the soldiers and their families. We are trained as soldiers what to expect, but the families aren't. It's important to recognize the sacrifices of the family."

Meza, who returned to Hawai'i in January, served his first deployment in Afghanistan. His time there was memorable and rewarding, he said.

"If I was called again to go I'd go," Meza said. "It was worth it. The people in Afghanistan were grateful to us and we got a lot of support from them."