The U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, home to the U.S. Army Military Police Corps Regiment, is gearing up to host a celebration that will only happen once in the regiment's history.
The Military Police Corps Regiment will observe its 75th anniversary, themed "From the Marechaussee to the Military Police of Today: 'Of the Troops and For the Troops' -- 75 years," Wednesday through Sept. 26.
"This diamond anniversary could not be possible without the great sacrifices of our Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians serving in our formations across the world," said Brig. Gen. Kevin Vereen, U.S. Army Military Police School commandant. "People should care about MP Regimental Week, because we're living in a world that's a lot more complex than it used to be."
To commemorate the milestone occasion, the MP Corps Regiment will host several events on post to honor the contributions of past and present MP Soldiers, network, gather best practices and discuss the way ahead for the military police profession.
"This is an opportunity for us to reflect on the impact the military police community has had on the Army over the last 75 years, and what they will continue to do in the future to serve the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense," Vereen said.
A Strategic Operational Planning Conference for MP personnel takes place Wednesday and Sept. 15.
"We're making sure our Soldiers are ready to serve in a variety of capacities across our core competencies," said Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Woodring, USAMPS regimental command sergeant major. "Whether that's policing, corrections or investigations, by our actions we help preserve the fighting force."
Concurrent to the planning session, the annual Military Police Regimental Association Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at Nutter Field House, where members of the MP profession will have a chance to see some of the most current technology used in the field today.
Events continue Sept. 19 as the official unveiling of the Marechaussee statue and MP Memorial Tribute are planned for 9:45 a.m. at the MP Memorial Grove. This event is open to the public, and the inclement weather location is Soldier Memorial Chapel.
The commandant will host a "Salute to Law Enforcement" reception for representatives of law enforcement agencies from across the state of Missouri at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 in the MP Regimental Room.
Spouses are scheduled to meet up from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Stem Village for hands-on activities to learn more about the regiment and social time.
Select members of the regiment will take to the sky for a paratrooper and heavy drop airborne operations demo Sept. 20 to 21 at Training Area 210.
The annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and luncheon at Pershing Community Center, followed by a photo hanging at the Military Police Regimental Museum, takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21. Advanced registration is required to attend the Hall of Fame luncheon by calling the MSCoE Protocol Office at 573.563.6145 by Sept. 15.
Gammon Field will serve as the backdrop for a regimental review at 9 a.m., followed by an optional regimental motorcycle ride to Licking, Missouri, at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 22.
Several retired military groups will reunite during a welcome and tour Sept. 22, and a memorial tribute Sept. 24.
A regimental golf tournament starts at 9 a.m. Sept. 23 at Piney Valley Golf Course. The regiment will gather for the MP Regimental Ball at 5 p.m. Sept. 24 in Nutter Field House.
Finally, members of the regiment will team up to run 72.25 miles and conclude with a 2.75-mile-regimental-formation run beginning at 5:30 a.m. Sept. 26 on Gammon Field, to complete a total of 75 miles.
"As we look forward to the next 75 years, we will make great advances in technology to further enhance our mission and capability," Vereen said. "We are still going to have a huge law enforcement mission. I see a lot more collaboration among units. I see units made up of all of our disciplines."
"You'll only see the 75th (MP anniversary) once in a lifetime, so it's important to take time out to see some of the events representing our history and our regiment," Vereen added. "If you're able to make it to Fort Leonard Wood, we'd like to see you here, or celebrate at your posts, camps and stations across the world."
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