LAKE DELTON, Wis. -- Army Spc. Kirk Heiser freely handed out hugs to tearful family members Saturday night in Lake Delton.

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It was the first time they'd seen him since his deployment to Iraq in October 2004.

"It's been very worrisome," said friend Sandy Esch. "He's in some dangerous places and we're happy to have him home, but sad because he has to go back."

Heiser is part of the Striker Brigade working near Mosul, Iraq.

With only a few precious days of leave before his return to Iraq, Heiser's family and friends wanted to throw him a royal celebration.

"I thought it was such a wonderful idea to support the troops and to show him how much he's loved and how proud we are of him," said family friend Annie Reszczynski.

Another big change for Heiser, he got married.

"We got married and she's sticking with me through all of this, just like all of you," said Heiser. "So, thank you."

Heiser's father Scott said some of the phone calls from his son tore his heart apart.

"To see him and hear him when he first called home," reminisced Scott Heiser. "He lost a buddy right away and had his first experience with the killing, it shocked him, it hurt him. And to call home and feel that pain, knowing there's nothing you can do."

Scott says he's proud of his son.

So is everyone else.

And, as he heads back to Iraq, there is one last wish.

"I just hope he comes home safe," said friend Brian Munch.

Heiser leaves Tuesday, Jan. 25 for Arizona to spend a few days with his wife before he heads back to Iraq for eight more months.

His family hopes to have him home in time for the holidays.