204th MP Co returns home

By Bryan Gatchell, Fort Polk Guardian staff writerMay 24, 2010

204th MP Co returns home
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT POLK, La. -- Cindey Sanchez stood with her husband, Sgt. Juan Sanchez, and four children after the redeployment ceremony for the 204th Military Police Company, 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, May 14 at Honor Field. She joked about her Family's plans for the month of block leave ahead.

"We're going to Disney World," said Cindey. "Just kidding."

"We'll go to Florida," Juan chimed in. "We'll probably also go to Texas and New York."

The 204th MP Co, or Blade Runners, deployed to Iraq May 9, 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where they helped transition policing responsibilities to local Iraqi police in the northeastern province of As Sulaymaniyah and escorted convoys and VIPs.

Part of transitioning power to the Iraqi government included training the Iraqi police in checkpoint security, basic first aid, community policing, interpersonal training, detainee operations and joint patrols.

Lt. Col. David Detz, commander, 519th MP Bn, spoke at the ceremony.

"It would be easy to recount the many accomplishments of the Blade Runners," said Detz.

"It's with great pride and privilege that we celebrate this moment in military history, forever linking our heritage with the history of the United States Army and the people of Iraq."

Among the accomplishments of the 204th MP Co were 10 cooperative civil military operations with the Iraqi police; providing information that led to the capture of a high value insurgent; and the development of a police academy to train and certify Iraqi police. Within this task, they covered a 7,200-square-kilometer area with 22 police stations and five district headquarters. They responded to many improvised explosive devices and suspected IEDs.

Capt. Michael Brimage and 1st Sgt. Michael Shilo uncased the company's guidon during the ceremony. While deployed, a company's guidon is cased to represent its deployment. When the guidon is uncased, the company is symbolically back at home.

"The Blade Runners will forever be remembered as a professional organization responsible for the improvements made with the Iraqi policing community," said Brimage.

"The 204th MP Co have instilled in the Iraqi police force of As Sulaymaniyah a renewed sense of pride, distinction and responsibility for their communities as well as the country of Iraq."

Overall, everyone at the ceremony was happy to be back or to have their Soldier back.

"I'm glad everybody made it back safe," said Sanchez. "It's great to be home."

1st Lt. Matthew Potts, leader of 1st Platoon, smelled the difference in the air.

"It feels great to smell the pines," said Potts. "They smell good."