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The Soldiers of the 230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, returned home March 22 to a cheering gymnasium of friends, family and fellow Soldiers. The Soldiers returned to the Kleber Gym on Kleber Kaserne after a 15-month tour in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The excitement as the Soldiers marched into the room, seeing their friends and families for the first time in months, was palpable. Flags were waved, and cheers echoed through the gymnasium the moment the first Soldier walked through the door.
“I would like to thank each of you for your service to our country, to our Army and to each other,” said Lt. Col. Duane Miller, 95th MP Bn. commander, welcoming home the returning Soldiers.
The 230th MP Co. deployed to Iraq to work with the Iraqi police, helping them take the lead in securing their country and providing them with the knowledge and tools to lead future generations of Iraqi police.
The work they did in Iraq supports the larger mission of the 18th Military Police Brigade and its battalions to assist with Iraqi police expansion, development and legitimacy.
In addition to recognizing the great work the Soldiers did during deployment, one of the highlights of the return came when Lieutenant Colonel Miller recognized four Soldiers from the battalion who, against great odds, were able to return to Germany and welcome home their comrades.
Sgt. James T. Hackemer, Spc. David A. Knapp, Pfc. David L. Mayer and Spc. Austin J. Bewley were all injured March 14, 2008, when the Armored Security Vehicle they were riding in on the way to Baghdad was hit by multiple explosively formed projectiles.
Three of the Soldiers – Sergeant Hackemer, Specialist Knapp and Private First Class Mayer – lost both legs during the attack.
Their presence at the homecoming was a symbol of the sacrifice – external and internal, physical and emotional – all of the Soldiers made for their fellow Soldiers, their families, their unit, the Army and their country during deployment.
It was also an opportunity for Capt. Shaun C. Hall, 230th MP Co. commander, to pin Sergeant Hackemer with the Bronze Star he earned for his actions that day.
Sergeant Hackemer received his Bronze Star with his fellow wounded warriors by his side and surrounded by family and friends.
“Today, we are honored to have these four Soldiers back with us. But we’re not done yet. We still have to return these four Soldiers to their formation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Miller after Sergeant Hackemer was presented with the Bronze Star.
Captain Hall called the unit to attention, and the four Soldiers once again fell in with the unit, assuming their places in the formation.
The Soldiers were then released, and the families and friends of the returning Soldiers were finally given the opportunity they had patiently and anxiously waited months for – the chance to reunite with their loved ones.
For Rikki Giardina, recently married and going through her first deployment with her husband, Spc. Niel Giardina, she said seeing him again “was like falling in love all over again.”
For many families and friends the coming weeks will be a chance to catch up with their Soldiers while they reintegrate back into their unit. For Mrs. Giardina, that means getting to know her husband again, travelling together and “finally relaxing,” she said.
And for these brave Soldiers, that is exactly what they deserve.
