Senior leaders from the Virginia National Guard joined family, friends and members of the Virginia Beach community July 29 to welcome home approximately Soldiers from the Virginia Beach-based 229th Military Police Company after serving in Iraq since October 2009. Approximately 80 Soldiers from the Hampton Roads and Richmond areas returned to Birdneck Elementary School and approximately 40 Soldiers from the Roanoke and Southwest Virginia area returned to Patrick Henry High School to be reunited with their families. The Soldiers began their tour on federal active duty Aug. 3, 2009. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew H. Owen, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)