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***image1***After spending a one-year tour in Iraq, Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 95th Military Police Battalion, returned home Jan. 27 to loud cheers from the approximately 100 family members, who gathered to greet them in the Mannheim Sports Arena.
The HHD, commanded by Capt. Robert L. Elliott, returned approximately 90 Soldiers to their families Jan. 27. The troops from 95th MP Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Randall Twitchell, moved into the arena from busses after an all-night flight from Kuwait, and listened as Col. Susan Sowers, brigade commander, welcomed them home and thanked them for their hard work and bravery while serving their country in a time of war.
While in Iraq, HHD controlled a large housing area of Camp Victory North, near the Baghdad Airport. Captain Elliott was dubbed the “mayor” of about 700 living and work areas, including Tactical Operations Centers, recreation tents, gymnasiums, internet cafés and shower facilities. In addition, HHD included Colonel Twitchell’s staff, which was the largest MP battalion in Iraq.
“I’ve never seen such brave Soldiers in my life,” said Colonel Twitchell. “Altogether, the battalion escorted more than 10,000 convoys, helped create the Iraqi Highway Patrol and patrolled in Iraq’s most dangerous area, the ‘Sunni Triangle.’”
After finishing the short “welcome home” ceremony with prayers of thanks, the Soldiers were released to their waiting families who were nearly bursting with pent-up emotions after their yearlong wait.
“Awesome. It’s about time!” said Katrin Moree, who waited patiently with her son and daughter for the moment to reunite with her husband, Staff Sgt. Audey Moree.
Many spouses spoke of their happiness at reuniting and praised the support they received from the HHD Family Readiness Group during the long deployment. But they also spoke of being a little nervous as well.
“I’m apprehensive because I’m sure that we’ve both changed over the last year,” said Linda Ancrum, wife of Sgt. 1st Class Elwood Ancrum. “But, I think the next few weeks will be happy, as he spends time with the kids and readjusting to life back here … I’m just glad (the Soldiers) are home.”
