Elberton Soliders Return From Deployment

Sergeant Tron Brothers, a military policeman from Columbus, hugs his children Amiya, age 6, and Devon, age 4, as they welcome him home after a ceremony at Fort Stewart celebrating the return of the 214th Field Artillery’s Security Force Company from Iraq. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic)

April 18, 2007 – Donovan Parade Field at Fort Stewart near Savannah was filled with the sounds of cheering, and the shouts of "welcome home" as 120 members of Elberton’s Security Force, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery, families and friends celebrated the unit’s return from a year in Iraq.

The unit, comprised of Soldiers not only from the 214th, but also other units from across the state such as Kennesaw’s 190th Military Police Company, Columbus’ 82nd Maintenance and Statesboro’s 878th Engineer Battalion. The unit spent a year in war-torn Iraq conducting security missions for, and around, Camp Cedar.

"Great warriors and combat veterans of the 214th Security Force," said Maj. Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command. "You did an absolutely magnificent job in Iraq.

"We are here to welcome you home, and to reunite you with your families," Ross said proudly. "Welcome Home to all of you, welcome home."

Specialist Jonathan King, a truck driver who lives in Augusta, said the first thing he wants to do is spend time with his wife Melissa and their children Jahenia, age 8, and Dontae, 7. Being home, he said, "Well, there is just no way to explain how glad I am to back."

Specialist Andrew Holland, a military policeman from Decatur, said the first thing he wants to do is get some good home cooking. He missed the fried chicken and steak, he said with a wide grin.

As families came together on the parade field, one proud father scooped up his two children as if he had not seen them in years.

"You don’t understand how great this is," Sgt. Tron Brothers, another military policeman, explained. "I am glad that we completed the mission, but right now I am just happy to be home."