For the first time since the end of their deployment to Afghanistan, the men of the 1/118 Field Artillery Battalion’s Alpha Battery gathered at Baker Park.

They were the recipients of a welcome home picnic, complete with door prizes for all, including a new gun and a hefty cash prize.

“It means a lot,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Lake. “This is the first time we’ve seen each other since we’ve been back.”

And they were appreciative of the adoration showered on them on a warm early June afternoon.

“It shows, ‘wow, someone really does care,’” said Staff Sgt. Gilbert Sheppard.

Most of the Alpha Battery soldiers spent a year away from home, training across the Southeast for their deployment to Afghanistan. They left in March 2009, returning earlier this year.

They were sent off with a parade and welcomed home with another one. Members of the community, shepherded by Ruth Lee, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for Alpha Battery soldiers and their families.

“It really shows you you are appreciated and people don’t forget you when you are gone,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Wilson.

Staff Sgt. Alfred Cason Sr. lives in Chatham County but has been coming to the Springfield-based National Guard unit since 1993. Like so many others decked out in their ACUs on Saturday, the offering of appreciation from the community didn’t go unnoticed.

“The way Effingham takes care of its soldiers, it means a lot,” he said.

Said Sgt. 1st Class Willie Warren: “It shows the community cares about us and what we do. When we started the deployment, from day one, they were behind us.”

The soldiers also were ready to recognize those who have recognized them for their service and have been there to bid them a fond farewell and a warm welcome home.

“Ruth Lee, that lady is the bomb,” Cason said.