Ashland, KY (WSAZ) -- Father's Day is a bittersweet day for many families with loved ones serving overseas, but for one family in our region - it's a little different this year.

Iit's a typical father's day afternoon, with friends and family cooking out on the grill. But for one group of folks, the meaning of the day is a little different!

They're celebrating their soldier who has served two decades in the military.

And now, after 20 years, Steven Howard is reflecting on life and the career he chose as a young child.

"It was probably because most of my uncles were in the Army, and I think everybody in the family served, so that started it," said Howard. "My Uncle Joe used to bring me equipment back from the Marine Corps when I was little, and I would strap it on and play Army then. I think I've been playing Army ever since."

"Military was his life," said Joe Wilson, Steven's uncle. "Most kids would play with toy cars or GI Joes and things, but he played the real Army. They would paint up, dress in their military boots, go up in the woods, camp out and build fires."

Now, he's retiring, and this Father's Day, he was the star of his family's cookout...as a father and as a hero.

"I couldn't think of a greater feeling," said Howard. "It's just very, very nice to see everybody and be a part of a big reunion, especially after being away and being gone so long. It's just a good feeling."

"We are very proud of him," said Angela, Howard's wife. "You know, he's our hero. He's our family hero. He's not just our dad, he's our family hero."

Family and friends: relieved to finally have their soldier home.

Steven was last deployed on April 15, 2007 to Iraq. He just came home last month, and he will officially retire from the Army in November.