Photo By Tulara McCauley | Maj. Artie C. Maxwell, Directorate of Mobilization and Deployment chaplain, briefs the...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas - The 56th Military Police Company, a United States Army Reserve unit from Mesa, Ariz., returned from Afghanistan to begin the demobilization process here March 6 after a nine-month deployment.
The 56th MP Company is comprised of several different units that were brought together to accomplish one goal - to provide security forces for the coalition and U.S. forces to operate. The mission also involved helping locals to establish better networks and do things on their own so U.S. troops will get home sooner.
Sgt. Adrian M. Ortiz from Anaheim, Calif., worked a couple of different missions during his first deployment. Ortiz patrolled a fuel entry control point, where hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel were processed throughout the mission without one serious incident.
“We all did a fantastic job locking the base down and maintaining security,” said Ortiz.
While conducting security missions, Ortiz stood outside the fuel entry control point and engaged with locals. At times, the soldiers would dispense candy to the native children.
“It goes hand in hand with our mission to win the hearts and minds of Afghanistan – not just trying to win the war,” Ortiz said.
Sgt. Duane Van Holsbek, from Dallas, agreed that the mission was a success.
“Our soldiers worked very hard on our deployment, exceeded our expectations,” said Van Holsbek. “They did an outstanding job.”
Ortiz expected the living conditions to be rough so he “was grateful for the running water, hot meals and Internet” at the camp. Word from home also helped him to stay focused.
“Every time I received a package or a message from anybody back home it really pulled me a little closer back to home. Also helped me to keep my eyes open and reminded me what my goals are and keep pushing forward. Without that momentum, it can be really tough on a soldier,” said Ortiz.
Van Holsbek agreed with that sentiment.
“I have appreciation for everyone that showed their support for us. We are very fortunate to have all the support and it’s what makes our hard job worth it,” stated Van Holsbek.
“It’s great to be home – I can’t say that enough,” said Ortiz.
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2014 18:32 |
| Story ID: | 121914 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | MESA, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 3,554 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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