14th MPs get new commander

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - Col. Anthony Zabek assumed command of the 14th Military Police Brigade at Nutter Field House,

Tuesday.

"I believe Col. Zabek is the first ever Reserve component officer to command an active-duty battalion and now an active-duty brigade," said Brig. Gen. David Phillips, U.S. Army Military Police School commandant.

Zabek thanked Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, Maneuver Support Center and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and Phillips for giving him the opportunity to command.

"To the Warrior Police, I look forward to my short time in command with you," Zabek said.

Phillips presided over the ceremony, where Col. Randall Twitchell relinquished command to Zabek. Zabek is scheduled to command the brigade until Col. Jerry Stevenson arrives to take command, July 24.

Twitchell, who served two years as the brigade commander, will deploy to Iraq to train Iraqi police.

"I nominated Twitchell to take over the Baghdad Police College," Phillips said. "He will be in charge of half a million Iraqi forces. What (he) did for USAMPS, (he) will do for a nation."

Twitchell reflected on his time in command, thanking his wife for her support over the last 30 years and affirming his faith in what America is doing.

"I was blessed with this command for two years," Twitchell said. "I would not trade this experience for anything."

Phillips presented Twitchell with a Legion of Merit before the ceremony, and presented Coleen Twitchell with the Order of the Vivandiers for her efforts as a spouse.

Martin thanked Twitchell before the ceremony, showing his 14th MP Bde. solidarity by wearing a green jersey with a gold number 14 on it.

"When I think of a disciplined, focused unit driving towards excellence, I think of the 14th Military Police Brigade," Martin said, "and your (Twitchell's) focus, thought, discipline and intellectual effort to bring the brigade from good to great."

Phillips reflected on how the ceremony tied in to the Year of the NCO.

"To the noncommissioned officers, this year is dedicated to you," Phillips said. "The standards of professionalism demonstrated in this ceremony reflect our NCOs."

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