HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Oahu, Hawaii -- Hawaii's first National Guard troops to return from combat duty in Iraq were honored at Hickam Air Force Base Sunday.

Five of the soldiers who returned also served in Vietnam. They said that the difference in community support they are getting now is incredible.

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The Hawaii guard troops served in Iraq as Chinook helicopter pilots, mechanics and support crews.

Oliver Kaloi, 57, among those honored served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Kaloi could have retired and avoided going to Iraq, but he said he wanted to help the younger soldiers.

"I wasn't going to let them go without me going," Kaloi said.

He said the gifts of flags, certificates of appreciation, medals and coins overwhelmed him.

"To have gone through the Vietnam War, where you were hidden, and here where the people are proud of you -- it's somewhat uncomfortable for me. I don't know how to deal with it coming out of the Vietnam era," Kaloi said.

Another Vietnam veteran, 1st Sgt. Sonny Gollero, 57, remembered his return to Honolulu from Vietnam.

"When I got to Honolulu International Airport we were escorted down the side corridors just so we wouldn't run into the protestors, who were on the top shelf," Gollero said.

A highlight for Charlie Company in Iraq was transporting billions of dollars to pay contractors. They also took Saddam Hussein to his first court appearance.

"It felt very good to actually transport the dictator. That is one of the reasons we are over there in the first place. And to take him to justice, to fly him over to his court appearance, was good," Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Hebert said.

The National Guard's aviation unit returned safely from Iraq with no combat injuries or death.

About 2,000 Hawaii National Guard soldiers remain in Iraq. They will not return until February.