Guard soldiers return to West Virginia in time for the holidays – WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Soldiers with the West Virginia National Guard are back in West Virginia this Christmas Day following a 10-month-long deployment overseas.

The Guard’s 156th Military Police Law and Order Detachment landed at Fort Bliss, Texas last week after supporting the U.S. Army Central’s Area Support Group in Jordon since February.

Commander John Ivestor said returning home to the Mountain State has been a mix of emotions.

“You’re happy to be home, see your family and get back into the swing of things, but there’s also that bittersweet feeling because you also have people from across the sea that you’re still really close to with that team building. It’s hard to say goodbye to them as well,” Ivestor said during a recent appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”

Specialist Maggie Polling said she learned a lot and that the overseas mission really tested her. She said it made her appreciate the little things in life.

“I’m just ready for that crisp West Virginia air,” she said with a laugh on “Talkline.”

“I found out that I could be okay on my own,” she continued. “My family is my backbone, but the Guard is my family while I’m away from my blood family. That is for sure.”

While deployed, the Guard conducted investigations, law enforcement operations, personal security detail services and force protection measures throughout five installations in Jordan and across six countries within the (USARCENT) area of responsibility.

Ivsetor said they worked as a team during the mobilization and also assisted host nation partners by participating in a Jordanian Armed Forces Language Institute engagement, teaching English on a weekly basis.

“Every day they gave 100 percent effort and commitment,” Ivsetor said of the troops. “They continue to show that as they move forward in their careers. It was a real honor to have all those personnel that were with me.”

The 156th Military Police Law and Order Detachment, the 77th Troop Command Battalion and the 111th Engineer Brigade deployed from their home station of Holden, W.Va. under the command of Ivester and Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Hatfield.

Polling, of Mannington, graduated from high school in 2021 and went to basic training in 2022. She said she’s always wanted to join the Guard.

“I just really wanted to be a part of something bigger. College wasn’t really in my plans for after high school. I just wanted to be tested mentally, physically and emotionally. I’ve never been away from my family, so it’s something I wanted to do,” she said.

Ivestor said he’s ready to get back to doing the things he enjoys in West Virginia and across the region this holiday season.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife and to reconnect with my family in North Carolina, back home and then to experience all that West Virginia has. I’ll do some hiking once it’s a little warmer and go to the different festivals we have this time of year,” he said.

Larger units are typically flown back to West Virginia and given a formal homecoming ceremony, but due to the unit’s smaller size of about 47 soldiers, the soldiers were able to travel straight home.