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38th MP Company Holds Ceremony

By Spc. David Bonnell

38th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Soldiers with the 38th Military Police Company receive the Army Commendation Medal for service during deployment during a Freedom Salute Ceremony in Indianapolis. (38th Infantry Division photo by Sgt. Brad Staggs)

INDIANAPOLIS - On Saturday June 27th, 2009, 128 Army Commendations, 15 Bronze Stars, and five Army Achievements Medals were handed out to members of the 38th Military Police Company. But the award that got the most attention was the Purple Heart.

"The award, that's not why we do it," said recipient Staff Sgt. Roy Shiver, who was shot while conducting investigations on possible weapon caches around the Baghdad area. "The award is nice and the recognition's nice, but I was just doing my job".

Staff Sergeant Roy Shiver of the 38th Military Police Company receives a Purple Heart for injuries in combat from 38th MP Commander Capt. William McGray during a Freedom Salute Ceremony in Indianapolis. (38th Infantry Division photo by Sgt. Brad Staggs)

That kind of modesty was on display as the 38th MP Company held their Freedom Salute Ceremony in the Victory Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. The ceremony was designed to honor not only the Soldiers who returned in February, but their families as well.

Commanded by Capt. William McGray, the unit was tasked as part of the police transition team program designed to work along side the Iraqi police force as trainers and mentors.

During the ceremony, awards were also given out to the family members and civilian agencies which supported the unit during their deployment. According to unit commander Capt. William McGray, their combined efforts helped make the deployment a success.

Staff Sergeant Roy Shiver of the 38th Military Police Company received a Purple Heart for injuries in combat during a Freedom Salute Ceremony in Indianapolis, Ind. 38th Infantry Division photo by Sgt. Brad Staggs

"We had a great rear detachment sending us packages and letters that helped the company concentrate on the mission," McGray said.

While overseas, the MP Company received overwhelming support from both the Family Readiness Group, led by Evelyn Sellers, and local businesses, receiving hundreds of care packages for the Soldiers and children of Iraq.

38th Military Police Commander Capt. William McGray pins a Soldier with the Combat Action Badge during a Freedom Salute Ceremony in Indianapolis. (38th Infantry Division photo by Sgt. Brad Staggs)

The unit presented encased American Flags that where flown over Forward Operating Base Rustamia as thanks for the civilian labors.

"Jerry gave this to me back before we left," McGray reflected. "Now that we have completed our mission, I am proud to return it to him."