Families prepare for soldiers' return

SCITUATE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Several families are getting ready Thursday night to see their loved ones for the first time in a year.

A group of Rhode Island National Guardsmen is scheduled to return from a deployment in Afghanistan Friday.

As Sarah Santaniello and her daughter, Molly, relax and read on the couch, inside they're jumping up and down. After a year apart, their family will be together once again.

Sgt. First Class Drink Santaniello is coming home just in time for Thanksgiving with his wife and 7-year-old daughter.

"It's kind of hard to describe. We're jittery, it almost feels like I've had way too much caffeine," said Sarah. "I know we've had a lot of trouble sleeping the last few nights."

Sarah and Molly have kept in touch with Sgt. Santaniello while he was overseas, and now they're busy getting ready for his return by finishing the welcome home sign, getting ready for the holidays, and preparing his first meal.

"He actually just wants pizza," Sarah said.

Both Sarah and Molly said they plan to give him a big hug as soon as he returns, and look forward to spending the holidays together.

"It's awesome. Thanksgiving or Christmas or anytime, having him home for Thanksgiving is great. Just having him home is great," added Sarah.

Sgt. Santaniello is expected to come home as soon as tomorrow.