FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Family members and friends cheered as more than 100 Fort Carson Soldiers returned from Afghanistan Wednesday after a five-month deployment.
"We're excited to see him," said Julie Beddo, mother of Pvt. Ken Bake, 110th Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion. "We've had a lot of ups and downs crying."
"Half my hair fell out taking care of her," said Jeff Beddo, laughing. "She started at 3 this morning. 'What time is it?' 'Time to go back to bed.'"
The Beddos said they were anxious to see their son, who deployed shortly after completing boot camp.
"We're glad they all came back safe," Julie Beddo said.
More than 100 Soldiers from the 110th MP, 759th MP Bn., and two Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, returned.
The MPs deployed to Afghanistan in March, operating in several areas throughout the country.
Their primary mission -- to train Afghan forces.
"We trained close to 1,500 (Afghan troops)," said Capt. Terence Staples, company commander, 110th MP.
Staples said his Soldiers helped transition two districts and one outpost to Afghan control. MPs earned two Purple Hearts, 19 Bronze Star Medals and 82 Army Commendation Medals.
Staples added that 38 MPs remain in Afghanistan as a transition team and will redeploy later this year.
1st Sgt. Richard E. Anderson said 75 percent of the 145 MPs that deployed were doing so for the first time.
"They were professional and did an exceptional job," he said.
Lt. Col. Christopher A. Heberer, commander, 759th MP Bn., thanked the Soldiers for their service and welcomed them home.
"We cannot begin to tell you how proud we are," he said. "The sacrifices you've made cannot be measured. The nation is eternally grateful."
Family members traveled from across the country to welcome their Soldiers home.
The Cowden Family flew from North Carolina to welcome home Pfc. Aaron Osborne, 110th MP.
"We're excited to hug on him and take him out for a steak dinner," said Patrick Cowden, Osborne's stepfather.
"We'd hear from him every once in a while," said Jessie Cowden, Osborne's mother. "We were getting used to answering the phone at 3 a.m."
Chloe Cowden, 13, said she missed her older brother.
"We used to hang out and watch movies," she said, adding that Osborne loved superhero movies.
The trio came armed with posters with Captain America logos.
"He's definitely our superhero," Patrick Cowden said.
Nola Inlay traveled with her mother, Amanda Murray, from Michigan to greet her father, Sgt. David Inlay, 110th MP.
"We're going to get ice cream," she said, adding that she was going to hug and kiss her daddy.
"It was his first deployment so it was hard," Murray said. "We're excited to see him."
Once Staples officially released his Soldiers, Family members rushed to welcome their loved ones home.
"It's indescribable," said Princess Queen, wife of Sgt. Michael Queen, 110th MP. "I'm very happy."
"I'm feeling great," Michael Queen said, holding his 2-year-old son, Isaiah. "I'm glad to be back."
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