Keither Singleton Jr., 3, holds up a sign as he waits with his family for his father, U.S. Army Private First Class Keither Singleton Sr., during a welcome ceremony on base for soldiers returning home from Iraq. By December 31, the U.S. will have formally withdrawn the last of its remaining troops in Iraq.

U.S. Army soldiers who had been serving in Iraq return home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington on December 6, 2011. The return marks one of last large groups of soldiers and the last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

Brittney Davis, center, and Whitney Joy, left, wait for their husbands, U.S. Army Sergeant Donald Davis and Staff Sergeant Alex Joy, before a welcome home ceremony at the base. They are joined by their friend, photographer Arielle Peace, right.

Sergeant Marshay Harper of the 47th Combat Support Hospital, 62nd Medical Brigade, turns in his weapon to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on December 6.

Specialist Tyler Fleckenstein of the 1-94 Field Artillery Regiment takes a moment to relax after returning his weapon to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

U.S. Army Specialist Patrick Sheehan is hugged by his wife, Danielle Sheehan, at right, as other troops greet their loved ones during a welcome home ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Sheehan and the other soldiers returned home from a six-month tour of duty in Iraq.

U.S. Army Specialist Nicholas King greets his goddaughter Jozie Van Dyk, 5, after he returned home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord along with other soldiers who had been serving in Iraq.

U.S. Army Specialist Jonathan Veras poses for a photo with his wife Michelle, left, and his son, Jonathan Jr., 2, after he returned home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on December 6.