Home sweet home

By Spc. Cody A. Thompson
40th PAD

Photo by Spc. Cody A. Thompson/40th PAD Canadian Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Nicolas Matern, deputy commanding general of operations, XVIII Airborne Corps, greets paratroopers returning from a deployment to eastern Afghanistan. The 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade paratroopers arrived at Pope Air Force Base, Sunday. During the deployment, the 118th MP Co.’s mission was training Afghan National Police and providing route security in eastern Afghanistan. Matern advised the Soldiers to slowly reintegrate with their Families and not rush the process.

About 200 Soldiers with the 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade, arrived at Pope Air Force Base, Sunday, after serving in eastern Afghanistan.
“This country owes you a debt of gratitude that it will never be able to repay,” said Canadian Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Nicolas Matern, deputy commanding general of operations with the XVIII Airborne Corps. “It’s a two-way street and we must honor the Family members who supported from the rear.”

Now, the Soldiers can shift their focus from training Afghan National Police units and providing route security to spending time with Family and friends.
“It is great to be able to spend time with Family,” said Spc. Brandon Adams, a Soldier with the 118th MP Co. “It’s just great to be back,” added the Nashville, Tenn., native.

Adams’ mother noticed a difference in her son since he deployed 12 months ago.

“My guardian angel has become a true man that loves to serve his country,” said Wendy Davis.

Matern advised the paratroopers to slowly reintegrate with their Families and not rush the process.

This was one of four deployments that the 118th MP Co. has served since 2001.