FORT RILEY, Kan. -- Soldiers of the 97th Military Police Battalion at Fort Riley welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony Oct. 6 at Cavalry Parade Field.
Lt. Col. Ann Meredith took charge of the battalion from Lt. Col. Alexander Murray. Col. Carl Parsons, commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, officiated the ceremony.
"Today marks the end of one journey for a great leader and the beginning of another," Parsons said. "Today we will celebrate the extraordinary leadership and accomplishments of Lt. Col. Alex Murray at the end of a very successful commanding tour, where he and his team have built a very long legacy of building combat readiness, competent leaders, police professionals and caring Soldiers who stand and watch over our community."
Parsons said Murray's accomplishments while in command included providing expert vision, care and leadership to our nation's most precious resource -- its sons and daughters. Murray initiated partnerships with the community to include the Adopt-A-School partnership with Junction City High School and providing combat readiness support during major 1st Infantry Division led exercises.
"Alex and his team have invested tremendously in the Army's future," Parsons said.
Parsons said the battalion logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours while maintaining security of the installation during Murray's command. He also gave words of wisdom to Murray's successor.
"Lt. Col. Meredith you certainly have big shoes to fill, but your experience, education and dedication tells me that you are ready," he said. "Her wide range of experiences will allow her to continue leading these Soldiers down the road to success."
Prior to the ceremony, Murray was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from Brig. Gen. Patrick Frank, deputy commander general for the 1st Infantry Division. Murray's wife, Jennifer, was awarded the Lady Victory award and the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. Murray will continue serving at Fort Riley as he moves on to his next assignment as the 1st Inf. Div. Sanctuary Chief of Staff.
"Command is a privilege and that is why today is not bittersweet for me, it is just sweet," he said. "I am thankful for the wonderful opportunity I had to lead the Guardians over the past two years. I watched the battalion exceed all expectations and accomplish every goal we set."
Meredith previously served as the plans officer for Fort Riley's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. She addressed the crowd for the first time as the commander of the 'Guardians' during the ceremony.
"I am humbled today with the privilege of leading this battalion," she said.
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