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West Michigan Troops Welcomed Home After Tour in Controversial Detention Center

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PORTAGE, Mich.,– More than a hundred troops welcomed home in West Michigan after a nine month tour in one of the most secretive places on earth, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

U.S. Army Reservists of the 428th Motor Police Company were greeted by dozens of family and families at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Portage Wednesday afternoon.

The anticipation was easy to see on everyone’s face as they stood by patiently waiting for their soldier to arrive. The whole gang was in town to welcome Specialist Justin Howard of Plainwell.

His dad, Steve Howard, could barely sit still. “I miss him, I just can’t wait to talk to him and give him a hug.”

Spc. Howard’s hasn’t seen his daughter since she was three months old and finally got to hold her for the first time in nine months. “A lot bigger; last time i could just hold her in my hand.”

The reserve soldiers performed detainee operations at the controversial facility while in Cuba.