FORT LEWIS, Wash. - Candie Watanabe had not seen her son, Spc. Matthew Bender, in almost a year. The last time she saw him was for a short visit during R&R. She and her family - Bender's three siblings and stepfather - flew from California at the last minute to welcome him home. It was an expensive flight, but worth every penny.
"This was a priceless trip," Watanabe said. "We're just so fortunate we were able to do this."
Watanabe was among several hundred who anxiously awaited their loved ones' return during a ceremony at Soldiers Field House on June 12.
About 75 Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Military Police Brigade, kept their composure as they marched to the clashing sounds of cadence calls, cheers, music and applause.
"This deployment is one of the biggest things (Bender) has ever done, and we are very proud of him," Watanabe said.
According to Multi-National Forces-Iraq, the unit "began its second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, March 16, 2008, to conduct theaterwide internment facility and reconciliation center operations, as well as to manage an Iraqi Correctional Officer Training Academy."
The Headquarters and Headquarters Company "touched every aspect of the detention operations mission at Camp Bucca by supporting each battalion and its companies along with their Iraqi partners."
While Soldiers stayed busy for 15 months conducting missions in Iraq, families tried their best to pass the time stateside.
"We kept very busy and that really helped pass the time," said Katrina Greene, wife of Capt. Michael Greene, HHC, 42nd MP Bde.
Katrina and her son, 2-year-old Gavin, spent a large amount of their time preparing to move from Georgia to Kentucky, where they recently bought a house. Between packing and visiting family, Katrina said she took advantage of local children's programs and stayed in touch with Greene via e-mail and telephone.
"It's been an emotional last couple of weeks," Katrina said. "(Gavin) hasn't seen his daddy in nine months and he doesn't understand the time lapse, but overall he has handled the adversity pretty well."
Other spouses echoed similar feelings.
For Doug Overbey, being "Mr. Mom" took on a whole new meaning when his wife, Maj. Darcy Overbey, left him to care for their three young children.
"The twins are really 'mama's babies,'" Doug said. "Helping them deal with 'mama' not being here has been really hard."
Doug was fortunate to have his mother-in-law there to help keep the family together while he worked full time.
"We've had our challenges, but my mother-in-law has been here, and that has helped immensely," Doug said.
All family members had their own ways of staying busy, communicating and dealing with their loved ones' absence, but one thing remained the same. They were all eager to see their heroes and it couldn't happen soon enough. Fortunately, the commander recognized this as he stood at the podium during the ceremony and spoke few words.
"It's been a long 15 months," said Col. David Glaser, 42nd MP Bde. commander. "It was a rewarding mission but difficult one," he continued.
Glaser thanked everyone for being there, then dismissed the Soldiers.
The formation quickly dissolved and families were reunited. Moms shed tears, dads held their babies and spouses embraced.
"We're all really overwhelmed with emotion and just glad to be back," Greene said holding his son.
"I don't want to see any rocks for a while," Overbey added.
Within half an hour, the gymnasium was nearly empty as Soldiers ventured "into the green," the unit's return motto, of Washington and on to new beginnings.
Laura Levering is a reporter with Fort Lewis' Northwest Guardian.
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