MPs observe heritage during regimental week

By Mrs. Martha Yoshida (Leonard Wood)September 17, 2015

MPs observe heritage during regimental week
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood will host the annual Military Police Regimental Week, from Monday to Sept. 26.

This year's theme is "Assist, Protect, Defend: Our Mission to Preserve the Fighting Force."

The week of activities kicks off early, as the Military Police Regimental Association hosts the MPRA Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Nutter Field House.

According to Rick Harne, MPRA executive director, many industry representatives including colleges and universities, will be present at the event.

This is a great event to discover new opportunities and to see the latest in technology, he said. The MPRA Expo is free of charge and open to the public.

The regiment will take time out to reflect on its history by celebrating contributions and accomplishments and by remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Military police will pay final tribute to fallen Soldiers during the MP Memorial Tribute from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the MP Memorial Grove. This event is open to the public.

An event for spouses is planned from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Stem Village.

Spouses will visit several round-robin stations to gain a better understanding of occupational specialties within the military police career field. The event is scheduled to conclude with a barbecue lunch and military working dog demonstration.

Wednesday, the regiment will gather for the annual MP Regimental Run at 6 a.m. on Gammon Field; followed by the MP Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at 1 p.m. in Lincoln Hall Auditorium. At the conclusion of the induction ceremony, a photo unveiling will be held at the MP Regimental Room, John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex. The induction ceremony and photo unveiling are open to the public.

An MP Regimental Ride goes kick stands up at 9 a.m. Sept. 24, starting from Nutter Field House.

The MP Regimental Retreat ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 24 on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza.

The week concludes with the annual MP Regimental Ball beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 25 in Nutter Field House. The MPRA is scheduled to host a golf tournament at 9 a.m. Sept. 26 at the Piney Valley Golf Course.

Key to the annual regimental gathering is the operational planning that occurs among the regiment's leaders.

Brig. Gen. Kevin Vereen, USAMPS commandant, explained the purpose behind the gathering in observance of the regiment's 74th anniversary.

"What I want members of the regiment to take away from the week is that we have had a tremendous 74 years of service to our nation and Army; and we should be extremely proud," Vereen said.

"This week, units all across the MP Corps will celebrate, so it's not just here at Fort Leonard Wood. I want our units to feel proud and know that we have had a great history, but more importantly, we have a great future and our Army will need us as a vital enabler in how the Army and joint force defends this great nation," he added.

Vereen said this is a good time to be a part of the Military Police Corps.

"It is a tremendous time to not only be in the Military Police Corps, but to be in our military," he said.

"Today, we are truly experiencing the complexities of a world that is ripe with threats, not only around the world, but here at home, as well. Military police work daily to keep Families and service members secure. Military police are truly the first line of defense; and the military relies on us to be extremely proactive, and not just a reactive force, after an incident, Vereen added.

"Who would not want to be involved in such an important mission?," he said. "Military police, in the conduct of our mission, enable our commanders to train units that are manned and equipped to fight and win -- anywhere, anytime."

"As our Military Police Corps celebrates the week, I ask that we all remember our forces, which are still engaged in military operations around the world," Vereen said.

"To that end, our regiment has military police Soldiers currently involved in these operations, while their Families are anxiously awaiting their safe return. Therefore, during our celebratory events, we must not forget about them … we will not forget about them," Vereen said.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood Guidon Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood