MP Regiment celebrates 76 years

By Dawn M Arden (Leonard Wood)October 5, 2017

MP Regiment celebrates 76 years
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MP Regiment celebrates 76 years
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MP Regiment celebrates 76 years
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MP Regiment celebrates 76 years
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The U.S. Army Military Police Regiment celebrated 76 years with a myriad of activities at Fort Leonard Wood, the home of the regiment, Sept. 25 through Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Donna Martin, U.S. Army Military Police School commandant and chief of the regiment, said it is important for all MPs to be proud and to celebrate their lineage.

"Regimental Week gives us an opportunity to really relive our heritage," Martin said. "It also helps us bridge a gap between the American public and understanding what the Military Police Corps does. A lot of our events this week were open to the public so they could come in and see what we do."

With a theme of "Preserving the Past, Reinforcing the Present, Shaping the Future," this year's celebration began Monday with a tribute at MP Memorial Grove. The tribute included music by the 399th Army Band and the Waynesville High School Choir, a wreath laying by USAMPS senior leaders, firing of rifle volleys, taps, a bag piper and rider-less horse.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Breckinridge, USAMPS regimental command sergeant major, reminded those in attendance the importance of remembering the fallen.

"We in this country, owe a great debt of gratitude to those who sacrifice their lives so we can live free," Breckinridge said. "We can start to repay that debt by not forgetting, by remembering what they did and what they stood for."

Tuesday began before sunrise with a regimental run, followed by the "Order of the Crossed Pistols" spouse event designed to give spouses a chance to experience training that represented all MP specialties. Martin said the event was designed to give spouses a small taste of a day in the life of a military police professional.

A competitive trap shoot was also held Tuesday at the installation's Outdoor Adventure Center.

More fun was to be had Wednesday with a bass tournament held at the Lake of the Ozarks followed by a regimental motorcycle ride to Osage Beach.

The regiment held a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Thursday at the Pershing Community Center, where Retired Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Retired Col. Donald Salo and Retired Col. Mary Maier were all honored as the newest hall of fame members. Thursday concluded with a Regimental Retreat in the afternoon on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza.

A regimental golf tournament held at the Piney Valley Golf Course on Friday and the Regimental Ball Saturday evening at Nutter Field House rounded out the week's activities.

Martin reserved a special message for those who were unable to attend the anniversary festivities.

"This past week has included an incredible display of our regimental pride. Each event was designed to bring the Soldiers, Family members and community closer to enhance the understanding of our mission as a regiment." Martin said. "I'm so honored and proud to be the chief of the regiment and the commandant of the MP school. I want to tell all of our MPs who are out there and not able to come back to the home of the regiment -- number one, happy birthday; number two, that you are relevant and you are still the force of choice. I am so proud and honored to serve with you."

More photos from MP Regimental Week can be found on the Fort Leonard Wood Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortleonardwood/albums/72157686951149400

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