FORT LEONARD WOOD— After spending 15 months in Iraq, the 463rd Military Police Company returned home to the sound of both thundering motorcycle engines and applause.
The group of more than 100 Soldiers worked with Iraqi police, teaching and training them how to better accomplish their mission.
“A lot of the Iraqi police don’t have the benefit of the weeks and weeks and months of training that we have,” Cpt. Jeff Stapler said, explaining how the company was able to assist the Iraqi law enforcement agency.
“(They) can stand a lot better on their own,” he said.
And though the Soldiers expressed they were proud of the work they did, they were also certainly happy to be home.
“It was pretty exciting,” Stapler said about the anticipation of walking through Nutter Field House’s doors and into the arms of loved ones. “You see this restaurant and you know how far away you are.”
Though sweet, coming home can have its difficulties. Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin reminded troops to take it easy during the next days and weeks as they readjust.
“You guys all look good, but you’ve been through a lot,” Martin said. “We’re so thankful that you all came home alive.”
Spc. Denise Meyer may not have too hard of a time embracing family again. Holding her daughter, Alexis, for the first time in months, Meyer explained it’s hard to spend that much time away.
“It’s very challenging,” she said. “You actually get a grasp on what the meaning of life is.”
Eager to return to raising her daughter, Meyer shared what ‘home’ really is.
“Home, I know it’s the classic line, home is where the heart is,” she said.
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FORT LEONARD WOOD— After spending 15 months in Iraq, the 463rd Military Police Company returned home to the sound of both thundering motorcycle engines and applause.
The group of more than 100 Soldiers worked with Iraqi police, teaching and training them how to better accomplish their mission.
“A lot of the Iraqi police don’t have the benefit of the weeks and weeks and months of training that we have,” Cpt. Jeff Stapler said, explaining how the company was able to assist the Iraqi law enforcement agency.
“(They) can stand a lot better on their own,” he said.
And though the Soldiers expressed they were proud of the work they did, they were also certainly happy to be home.
“It was pretty exciting,” Stapler said about the anticipation of walking through Nutter Field House’s doors and into the arms of loved ones. “You see this restaurant and you know how far away you are.”
Though sweet, coming home can have its difficulties. Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin reminded troops to take it easy during the next days and weeks as they readjust.
“You guys all look good, but you’ve been through a lot,” Martin said. “We’re so thankful that you all came home alive.”
Spc. Denise Meyer may not have too hard of a time embracing family again. Holding her daughter, Alexis, for the first time in months, Meyer explained it’s hard to spend that much time away.
“It’s very challenging,” she said. “You actually get a grasp on what the meaning of life is.”
Eager to return to raising her daughter, Meyer shared what ‘home’ really is.
“Home, I know it’s the classic line, home is where the heart is,” she said.
