A hero’s welcome in Lincoln as almost 100 service members returned from a 9 month deployment to Iraq.
About 1,000 people were on hand at Haymarket Park to welcome back the 1st Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment, also known as MCPOD.
Ninety Army service members who were mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons were welcomed with hugs and kisses. The MCPOD was formed in the spring of 2016.
Sergeant Michael Shaw was on his first deployment. His mother, son, and girlfriend waited anxiously for him to return home.
"Experience was enriching but the most important thing is I get to see my family. So it feels great, it feels amazing,” Sgt. Shaw explained.
The MCPOD was in 14 different locations at one point enhancing army staff during mobilizations in intelligence, infantry, engineering, and other fields.
“We are grateful that you are willing to put yourselves between the terror of a dangerous world and our state here in Nebraska,” said Governor Pete Ricketts.
The MCPOD service members will now take a couple of months to unwind and relax before getting back to training.
