On June 16 and 17, approximately 200 Soldiers in the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord following a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.

The 504th MP Battalion Headquarters and 170th MP Company deployed last June and were assigned to Task Force Kandahar. Their mission was to conduct police mentorship training to provide security to the population of Kandahar City, enhance the capabilities of the Afghan National Police, and support local government leaders.

During an early morning ceremony June 17, 60 Soldiers were welcomed home by family and friends at Soldiers Field House on JBLM Main.

"We Skyped about once a week, so it was good and the kids could see Dad, but now I can take a break," laughed Kathy Davis, wife of Sgt. 1st Class Lavelle Davis and mother of two. "Maybe a whole night or weekend with just the adults. That'd be nice!"

For the Davis family, the redeployment also means their PCS to Germany this fall is getting closer, which Davis is excited about.

"This is just a part of our life," said Dana Crumley, who waited in the stands with her son and a neighbor for her husband, Capt. John Crumley, to walk through the door. "We've been in for over a decade, so it is sort of normal."

42nd MP Brigade Commander Col. Robert M. Taradash made sure that the families didn't wait any longer than necessary and kept his promise to keep it short.

"Look across and find your loved ones," Taradash began. "Now welcome home and go enjoy it!"

"I just want to enjoy the family time together," Crumley said when asked about any big plans. "That will be enough for me right now."