Nearly a company of soldiers with the 385th Military Police Battalion returned home late Wednesday to a cheering crowd of family members, friends and fellow soldiers.
The 100 MPs and support personnel had served 12 months in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province. They had deployed before a new nine-month combat tour rule.
Family members began arriving at Fort Stewart’s Newman Fitness Center before 10 p.m., many with sleepy children in their arms. Nearly all carried signs and banners that welcomed home their hero.
Amanda Voss had a front row seat on the bleachers, but she had her hands full with three children who were staying up long after bedtime. Logan, 8, was sleeping with his head in mama’s lap, while Alexis, 5, was curled up on the floor at her feet. Three-year-old Cable was asleep next to her, using his sister as his pillow.
“They’ll wake up when my husband gets here,” Voss said, referring to Spc. Joshua Voss. “I’ll let them sleep until then.”
It was a wonder they could sleep. A roar of voices filled the gym. The 3rd Infantry Division Band played song after song.

For more, pick up a copy of the May 26 edition of the News.