Five years ago -- March 19, 2003 -- was the start of the war in Iraq. Nearly 4,000 American troops have lost their lives fighting in Iraq, but many more have made it home. Here's a look at four different people, with four different experiences, all in one country.

"Fortunately I was able to bring back all my soldiers alive and that's the greatest thing from this whole deployment," said Cpt. George Hurd, Texas Army National Guard.

Captain Hurd is a 15 year veteran. He served in the Gulf War and again in Iraq in 2004.

"It takes some time to wind down and just get comfortable and relaxed and not always being on the edge. My wife helped a lot with having baseball games for my soldiers," said Hurd.

Coming home was different for Captain James Campbell of the Texas Army National Guard. Within three months of his deployment to Iraq, his wife was killed in a car crash in Austin.

"I really didn't have time to grieve. What we did over there was incredibly important. We got through the missions and we served with honor. And when i got home, that's when my time i had for myself, you know. I took three months off to grieve and consider what happened," said Captain Campbell.

He's now in seminary school and hoping to go back to Iraq to help those who are struggling. He also wants thinks there's some things people here in the U.S. miss.

"I think what they miss is the perception of what's going on. I realize that the bad stuff is going to sell a lot more -- that's the nature of the media, and I realize that. But there are so many good things that are occurring over there; like the water purification plants are being built, schools are being built. I mean there are just so many very, very good things that are happening," said Campbell.

For Thom Ray, homecoming was a magic moment caught on camera. The Austin fire lieutenant served as a pilot in Iraq in 2004. He flew C-23 Sherpas at 170 miles an hour, 50 feet off the ground. He says he's feels blessed to have made it through those times.

"You're never really the same when its over - because its never over," said Ray.

Ray was diagnosed with cancer just one year after coming home.

"It was a perfect storm of environmental, emotional, physical conditions that I believe contributed to a cancer -- it's squamous cell carcinoma on the base of my tongue - Stage 3 - only 25 percent survive," said Ray.

Specialist Jennifer Atkinson, planned her wedding from Iraq and married another soldier on a quick trip home. But nine days before her homecoming from Iraq, her husband was sent to Iraq.

"I was so thrilled to be back in Texas. And to see the bluebonnets and to see the oak trees and all the green, but part of me was still in Iraq with my husband -- he has my heart," said Atkinson.

Atkinson isn't scheduled to go back at this point, but she says she'd be honored to serve again.

Four very different experiences, but there is one thing all four of these soldiers have in common, and that is the appreciation of people who love and support them, whether they're here or in Iraq.