MP Corps celebrates profession

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)October 2, 2014

MP Corps celebrates profession
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Military Police Corps celebrated their profession by honoring veterans who have served, Soldiers who currently serve and those who will serve with a series of events during regimental week Sept. 22 to 27.

With such a full week of ceremonies and observances, some of the events took place the week before, such as the two-day Strategic Operational Planner's Conference.

Attendees of the conference included National Guard, active-duty and reserve MP commanders, as well as subject matter experts from the Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency. Representatives from the Office of the Provost Marshal General, U.S. Army Military Police School and Maneuver Support Center of Excellence also attended.

"The main points of discussion were to update MP commanders worldwide on various initiatives taking place in both the Office of the Provost Marshal General as well as the U.S. Army Military Police Corps," said Lt. Col. Darcy Overbuy, USAMPS chief of staff. "We also gathered input from the field on their current challenges and suggestions for the future of the regiment."

"The future for the MP regiment is bright. As an enabling force for the commander on the ground, we provide a variety of services to preserve the fighting force," she added.

Military Police Hire Days, another event leading up to MP week, filled Nutter Field House with vendors showcasing everything from handcuffs to remote weapon stations.

In honor of Military Police Regimental Week, Soldiers at the entry control points wore the M-1 helmet that was standard for U.S. service members from 1941 through about the mid-1980's.

It is a two-part helmet consisting of a steel shell and a lightweight liner with suspension. The black liners were painted with marking from the 1960 to 1970's.

One of the most significant events of the week was also one of the first -- the memorial tribute.

MP Memorial Grove was packed on Sept. 22 to honor the sacrifices of two Soldiers, Sgt. Joseph Peters and Spc. Arronn Fields, who were killed in Afghanistan last year.

The Waynesville High School Choir sang "Mansions of the Lord" and "Tell My Father," and the Noncommissioned Officer Academy fired the rifle volleys.

Command Sgt. Maj. John McNierney, Regimental command sergeant major, spoke at the ceremony.

"These brave Military Police Soldiers bravely performed their duties. They enlisted and continued to re-enlist during a time of war. I am in awe of their commitment, their service and their sacrifice," McNierney said.

He said the ceremony wasn't a task people in attendance had to do, but a privilege.

"It's an honor. It is our opportunity to highlight the strength of character of these great Soldiers," McNierney said. "It's our obligation to always remember them and be worthy of their trust, for trust is the bedrock of our profession."

The Gold Star Families laid a brick, with their Soldier's name etched on it, in the walkway of the grove.

As of Sept. 24, there are three new photos hanging in the Military Police Corps Hall of Fame.

The inductees were Chief Warrant Officer Five Stephen Okolovitch, Sgt. Maj. Reginald Cole and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Keiser.

In 1992, the Military Police Regimental Association established the Military Police Regimental Hall of Fame to recognize and honor former members of the Military Police Corps who made significant contributions to the development of the Corps. Each year, nominations for induction into the Hall of Fame are solicited worldwide and accepted for consideration at the U.S. Army Military Police School.

A regimental run brought Military Police Soldiers together on Sept. 24.

Brig. Gen. Mark Spindler, Military Police Corps Regiment chief and commandant, said the run is one of his favorite events.

"The regimental run is one of the best things in the world to do. There must have been 3,000 to 5,000 troops out there," Spindler said.

Following the early morning run, Spindler addressed the MPs in formation on Gammon Field.

"You can't help but absorb the pride I felt running with you all. It's under the commands before me that the great work of the Military Police Corps is conducted. Your tireless work is to preserve our fighting force," Spindler said.

He said whatever tomorrow brings the regiment will be ready.

"The same thing that has been true over the last 73 years is that we will not fail and we will always prevail."

The halfway point of regimental week was marked with a retreat ceremony at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence plaza.

The many flags outlining the loop around the American Flag represented different MP units from the active Army, National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.

"I think what I like the most about retreat is that every day it gives us time to pause and put out troubles aside. It gives us time to recommit ourselves to the higher cause for which we joined these ranks -- that being the service to our nation," Spindler said. "You stand shoulder-shoulder with your battle-buddies for a moment and render honors to the nation. I feel pride as an Army professional to hear retreat."

Families of the MP regiment got involved in the activities with a challenge that put participants in their loved ones' combat boots for a day.

The family members learned self-defense techniques, how to apply camouflage and used paintball guns for some marksmanship training.

Cyndi Bisacre, U.S. Army Military Police School spouse, said even though she had the most fun learning to shoot the paintball gun, her favorite part of the day was spending time with other Family members.

"Anytime you have the opportunity to share camaraderie with fellow spouses and enjoy a wonderful day together and team build is awesome," Bisacre said. "The Military Police Regiment is our life. We are excited to celebrate something we are all a part of. I'm proud of what my husband does."

The celebrating came to an end with a regimental ball Saturday evening at Nutter Field House.

See more photos at www.flickr.com/photos/fortleonardwood/sets/.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood on Flickr

Fort Leonard Wood Guidon Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood