Arctic Enforcers come home

  • Published
  • By Juana M. Nesbitt
  • 2d Engineer Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The day has finally arrived. After 12 long months deployed to Afghanistan, Soldiers of the 164th Military Police Company, 793d Military Police Battalion, 2d Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Alaska arrived home at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Saturday.

Families voiced their anticipation as the announced arrival time came and went, but - as with any redeployment - the timeline was tentative. In order to pass the time, families enjoyed snacks and drinks provided by the JBER Retiree Council.

A live video feed - made available by the 793rd Military Police Battalion - showed waiting families the Soldiers arrival at the Joint Mobility Center here during the accountability process, which ensured all weapons and other sensitive items were turned in.

During their time overseas, Soldiers of the 164th MP were tasked with mentoring the Afghan Uniformed Police and National Army in seven different locations. They also provided security to all NATO forces traveling through their area of responsibility, while simultaneously training and mentoring an Afghan National Army unit said Army Capt. Jacob Gutierrez, 164th MP executive officer.

Army Lt. Col. Steve E. Gabavics, 793rd MP commander, said he knew the families and Soldiers were anxious to be reunited, so he kept his speech short. "Because I know you don't want to hear me talk, you want to see them," he said. "So bottom line, these guys have done a phenomenal job serving our country, doing the duty that most Americans never do, sacrificing what most Americans never sacrifice, honoring their country, honoring you, doing their duty for the past year, and they deserve a heck of a welcome for what they've done and came home."

Normally a welcome home ceremony is concluded after the playing of the Army Song and the U.S. Army Alaska Song.

"But I want to give these great Soldiers back to their Families," said Gabavics as he dismissed the troops to be with their loved ones.