SOUTH BEND -- A local soldier has a lot of celebrating to do. Specialist John Ball is one of the 175 National Guard members from Company F who left for Iraq last spring.

He returned home late Saturday night for a two week leave.

It's been a long eight months for South Bend native John Ball. And being able to return home on January 12 was extra special for him.

"I couldn't have asked for a better anniversary present," said John’s wife, Robyn Ball.

One year ago Saturday John married his wife Robyn. The couple originally wanted to have a traditional wedding in 2009, but those plans quickly changed.

"But with the situation when President Bush asked for the troop buildup of 20,000 troops, John was going to leave at any time as a combat medic. So it was very important that they did get married. I'm glad they did," said John’s father-in-law, Joe Wisniewski.

After being married for only a few months, John learned he was going to Iraq. Right away, the couple's marriage was put to the test.

"We have our ups and downs, but technology nowadays with being able to do MySpace and email, it's great," said Robyn Ball.

"Didn't want to, but unfortunately I had not much you can really think at that point," Specialist John Ball.

John is part of South Bend based Company F. The unit is responsible for security in Iraq.

"He's seeing things as I mother I don't want him to see. He's doing things I wish he didn't have to do, but I'm very proud of him. He's doing what he wants to do," said John’s mother, Diane Ball.

"It's hard some days especially when I don't hear from him two or three days, but when we got married he told me it would happen, there would be times when we don't talk,” said Robyn Ball.

But that won't be a problem, at least for the next few weeks. John's family and friends plan to do a lot of celebrating.

"Spend some time with family, friends. He'll turn 21 when he's home, too. It'll be interesting, but fun," said Robyn Ball.

Before the unit was deployed, the National Guard designated certain months when the troops could take leave. Ball says he does not know when he'll be able to return home for good.