1138th Military Police Company say farewell to Iraq and the 1139th MPs

By: Rachel Knight
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs




AL ASAD, Iraq - After a year deployment, the 1138th Military Police Company is heading home after receiving a warm farewell from the 1139th Military Police Company, who is scheduled to come home in August.

This past weekend, the 1138th met with members of the 1139th Military Police Company when they spent a few days at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq while transitioning home.

"We had two Missouri National Guard units on the same forward operating base at the same time," said Capt. Jakin Waldock, 1139th executive office.

The 1138th Military Police Company, based in West Plains with a detachment in Springfield, was deployed to Camp Cooper, Iraq, where they were tasked with performing various strategic missions in the area, including conducting detention center operations, maintaining evidence and providing security oversight for the internment facility and its detainees.

The 140 Citizen-Soldiers from the 1138th will be welcomed home on June 13 at 11:30 a.m. at a ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center.

"It was really cool to see the same Soldiers we've know from back home at work, school and Family here in Iraq," Waldock said. "It was kind of a surreal moment."

Sgt. 1st Class Brian Kirkpatrick, of the 1139th, was able to see his nephew, Spc. Bill Tye, who is with the 1138th Military Police Company.

"It was really great to see our brothers and sisters from the 1138th Military Police Company," said Kirkpatrick. "It was nice to see other Soldiers that we have such a kinship with, and it reminded us that we are not that far from coming home."

The 1139th Military Police Company, based in Harrisonville, is deployed to Al Asad Airbase in Iraq with their main mission of conducting security missions and other military police operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 160 Citizen-Soldier unit consists mostly of members of the 1139th Military Police Company with additional Missouri National Guard members from various companies across the state.

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Posted: 6/11/2010 11:46:38 AM