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ALBANY --

Marines packed outside the doors of the Headquarters Marine Corps Logistics Command Thursday afternoon where they welcomed home four of their own from Afghanistan.

"It's definitely good to have them back. They've definitely been missed around here,” said Corporal Brian Arthur Baker II.

The four men were part of a group responsible for receipting, storing, and shipping equipment back to the United States, getting nearly 4,000 pieces home during their deployment.

While some of the marines, like Sergeant Justin Williams, come home for an undetermined amount of time, Captain Thomas Joe Felts will have a bittersweet return.

After only 45 days, Captain Felts will move to Hawaii to work for a Combat Logistics Battalion for three years, but he isn't letting that get in the way of today's excitement.

"It's great to see all these folks. We work with them on a daily basis while we're out in Afghanistan and they're some of my closest friends so it's great to see them again."

The feeling was mutual for those who anxiously awaited the arrival of the white van transporting the four men, a scenario that some have been thinking about for months. Fellow marines, friends, and family patiently waited outside for a day they had been planning on for a long time.

"I've been shaking all day, trying to get everything ready, trying to pick out an outfit. I've been freaking out for the past month and a half trying to get everything ready for today so I'm just glad that it's here and all happening,” said Carrie Hart, the girlfriend of Sergeant Williams.

Now that the men are home, their loved ones know it is something that shouldn't be taken for granted.

"I'm just personally glad that they all made it back safe,” said Corporal Baker.

Hart agreed and is already planning the long-awaited summer she will have with Sergeant Williams. "I'm going to enjoy every second."