Fort Carson Soldier Enjoys Unique Homecoming

FORT CARSON, Colo. (CBS4) - Nearly 300 Fort Carson soldiers are back in Colorado, and one just might be happier about that than all the rest.

Members of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division spent nine months in Kuwait, and the homecoming included a very special introduction for Spc. Immanuel Thomas.

"We're just so excited, we're just ready to see him," Immanuel's wife Devon Thomas said.

There are certain moments in life that people pray about and then just have to wait for.

"I haven't seen him in so long," Devon said.

Devon said her wait was a bit unique. Her husband was in Kuwait while she was pregnant. So it was much more than a homecoming for Immanuel; it was when 6-month-old Payton got to meet daddy.

"It was amazing; most people don't experience some situations like this, but I'm lucky to have her in my arms finally," Immanuel said when the reunion happened. "I feel like the best dad in the world right now."

So for now the moments will be filled with family and -- of course -- a lot of father-daughter time before dad goes back overseas this February.

"I'm too overwhelmed right now, my heart is racing, I don't know what to feel right now," Immanuel said. "I'm just glad to be home after a long nine months."

Modern technology made the time apart a little easier for the Thomases, as Immanuel actually got to see his daughter be born in the hospital in Colorado while he was overseas thanks to FaceTime and an iPad.