FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – Their law enforcement and customs operations behind them, 60 members of the 463rd Military Police Company, 92nd Military Police Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, returned home Sept. 18, from Afghanistan after a ten-month deployment in support of OEF.

Family members, friends and fellow soldiers waited at the Audie Murphy Club here for the group to arrive to the welcome home ceremony held in their honor.

One family of a returning soldier, Crystal Lopez and her two sons, Victor and Nathan, were in the audience. Crystal is the wife of Pfc. Sergio Lopez, military police specialist, 463rd MP Company, 92nd MP Bn., 4th MEB, 1st ID.

“The boys saw him last in July and we’re very excited,” said Crystal Lopez.

In addition to family members, unit leadership waited for the soldiers’ return.

“It’s great for me because now the battalion commander and I, we both know our soldiers are out of harm’s way,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Schultz, senior enlisted leader, 92nd MP Bn., 4th MEB, 1st ID.

Guest speaker, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Commander, Maj. Gen. Mark Yenter, spoke once the soldiers filed onto the stage, standing in formation just feet away from their loved ones.

“I want to thank these great soldiers for the mission they accomplished over in Bagram and for most importantly taking care of each other, thank you for defending our freedoms,” said Yenter.

“To the families, God bless you for looking out for your soldiers while they were downrange, thank you for taking care of each other back here, it’s great to have you back. The last thing, be safe, think about safety, continue to take care of each other, thanks,” said Yenter.

After soldiers reunited with their families and friends the club emptied out quickly.

Spc. Le Ann Smith, military police specialist, 463rd MP Company, 92nd MP Bn., 4th MEB, 1st ID, says she has been gone for about nine months.

“Good, glad to be home,” said Smith of how she feels.

Smith says she is heading to the nearest restaurant to eat.

“I have no idea yet, anything, anything other than [dining facility] food,” said Smith.

Two more groups of soldiers from the 463rd MP Company will be returning home later this year.

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