23rd Military Police Company Soldiers return from Afghanistan

By Mrs. Michelle Kennedy (Drum)September 11, 2014

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Clockwise from left: A Soldier from 23rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, is greeted by a loved one during a redeployment ceremony Monday at Monti Physical Fitness Center. Marissa Wolf, 3, fights to contain her excitement whil... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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Clockwise from left: A Soldier from 23rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, is greeted by a loved one during a redeployment ceremony Monday at Monti Physical Fitness Center. Marissa Wolf, 3, fights to ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Clockwise from left: A Soldier from 23rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, is greeted by a loved one during a redeployment ceremony Monday at Monti Physical Fitness Center. Marissa Wolf, 3, fights to contain her excitement whil... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers, Family Members and friends welcomed home 47 military police Soldiers during a ceremony Monday at Monti Physical Fitness Center.

The MPs, who are members of 23rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, served a nine-month deployment during which they were responsible for the customs mission in Afghanistan.

During their tour, the unit operated in eight different locations across the country.

"For such a small flight, this is a really large crowd," said Brig. Gen. Michael L. Howard, acting senior commander. "It's a small unit, but they had a big impact. They made a reputation for themselves because of their good work in Afghanistan. They set the stage for retrograde.

"I'm proud of the work you did, and we're all glad to have you home," he added.

Before concluding his remarks, Howard reminded the Soldiers and their Family Members to enjoy their time at home, relax and be safe.

While the unit was deployed, Soldiers cleared about 6,000 shipping containers, according to 1st Lt. Allison Ziants, 2nd Platoon leader.

"I'm excited to be back," she said, adding that this was her first deployment. "It's been nice seeing all the smiles over the last few days -- knowing we were coming home. We've had a chance to relax a little and be around our battle buddies."

More 10th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers will be returning to Fort Drum in the upcoming weeks.