U.S. Army Military Police School hosts regimental week

By Staff Sgt. Kelly S Malone (Leonard Wood)October 2, 2015

U.S. Army Military Police School hosts regimental week
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Military Police School hosts regimental week
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Military Police School hosts regimental week
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Oct. 1, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood hosted this year's Military Police Regimental Week Sept. 17 to Saturday.

A variety of events took place involving Soldiers, Families and the public under the theme, "Assist, Protect, Defend: Our Mission to Preserve the Fighting Force."

Three retired sergeants major were inducted into the MP Hall of Fame during, a ceremony held at Lincoln Hall Auditorium. The inductees were Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Kirkland, Command Sgt. Maj. Tony McGee and Sergeant Major Gilbert Verbist.

Memorial Grove was the location of the memorial tribute to fallen MPs and the Gold Star Family of Staff Sgt. Dick Alson Lee Jr., whose wife Katherine Lee was joined by her young sons David and Joshua. In a special tribute, Katherine Turner, wife of Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner, who passed last year while serving in Afghanistan, placed a brick on the Grove pathway.

"The laying of the brick inscribed with the name of the fallen and engraved with a black star signifies that they will always be remembered," said Col. Bryan O'Barr, USAMPS director of Training and Education, who escorted Katherine to place her husband's brick.

Keeping the Families as part of the celebration, the second annual spouse's challenge was Sept. 22 at Stem Village. The event was very realistic, according to participant April Penney, whose spouse is an MP stationed at Fort Leonard Wood.

"Although my husband wears his uniform with great pride and humility, it's not often he comes home from work and gives me details about his day," Penney said. "Having the opportunity to participate in this challenge gave me a glimpse of a MP's life on the job. The drill sergeant put me to the test with many push-ups, and in the end, it's confirmed -- I'm serving right where I should be, by my Soldier's side."

Additional events included a regimental motorcycle ride, a vendor expo hosted by the MP Regimental Association and a golf tournament. A retreat ceremony was held to close the day-time events at MSCoE Plaza where Brig. Gen. Kevin Vereen, USAMPS commandant, addressed those in attendance.

"The Military Police Corps Regiment has had a memorable week, thanks in part to the great support of MSCoE and the Garrison staff here at Fort Leonard Wood," Vereen said. "It has truly been a fun-filled, historical week; one that has allowed us to reflect on the storied past but also envision our future -- and what a bright future we have."

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON newspaper

Fort Leonard Wood website