SOUTHAMPTON — The rain that fell Saturday held off just long enough for a dry homecoming for a soldier returning from Afghanistan.

It was a dry event except for the tears flowing freely from family and friends of Army Spc. 4 Lishah Lee Kemble, who returned to the United States recently after a one-year tour of duty in war-torn Afghanistan.

Lee served as a paramedic, healing wounds and saving lives of comrades who were struck down.

“I can’t express how exciting this is,” Kemble, 29, said after a homecoming ceremony at the house of her grandmother, Doris Wilson, on Eayrestown Road in Southampton.

Volunteers with Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey sponsored the event. The group succeeds the former Yellow Ribbon Club that used to greet returning veterans. David Silver, who attended Saturday’s event, is heading operations of the new club.

Kemble is a 2001 graduate of Overbrook Senior High School in Pine Hill. Her parents are Mike Kemble of Blackwood and Dienna Smith of Shamong, both of whom attended the Saturday ceremony.

At Overbrook High School, Kemble took part in gymnastics, cheerleading and soccer. She was also an active member of the Berlin Baptist youth group.

Kemble entered the Army in 2009 and received paramedic training in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She also received high marks for her sharpshooting.

Kemble served a year in Afghanistan from August 2011 to August of this year, having several close calls with the enemy.

Kemble earned her combat medic medal after the vehicle she was in during a night patrol took a direct hit from a grenade launcher at close range. She got everyone out of the vehicle safely and no one was hurt — including herself.

Asked about what it was like in a war zone such as Afghanistan, Kemble said modestly, “I was ready to go in and help. I was ready to do the best I could.”

She said that, of the 157 people in her company, all got out of the country safely.

As for Afghanistan’s climate, Kemble, who wore a full fatigue uniform complete with gloves and hat during Saturday’s warm, humid afternoon, said it was “hot.”

“Imagine standing in front of a hair dryer,” she said.

Kemble’s next assignment is Fort Polk, La., where she will serve at a brigade aid station. Things will be a lot calmer, she said.

After leaving the Army in December, Kemble said she plans to attend a college and pursue either forensics or biomedical engineering.

“I’m ready to get back to a much more relaxed civilian life,” said Kemble, who stood at rigid attention during an interview after the homecoming event.

Family and friends hugged Kemble who had trouble restraining her tears.

Her grandmother, Doris Wilson, was clearly proud of Kemble, who she referred to as “bubbly” when she was growing up.

Wilson said she was thrilled that Kemble was home safe from Afghanistan.

“It’s awesome,” said the 72-year-old Wilson, who was clearly proud of her granddaughter’s achievements.

“We were going to have a little family barbecue but it grew into something else,” Wilson said, referring to the homecoming and Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey’s work.

Wilson said she was afraid Kemble’s experiences would change her personality, but she was happy to report, “she’s still bubbly.”

“God bless you and God bless all those that serve with you,” said George Tencza, with Operation Yellow Ribbon.

Before the ceremony, Tencza said, “We need to continue to support our heroes. They all deserve a proper welcome home.”

Kemble also received certificates of appreciation from state and local officials.