JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD – Lt. Col. Jeremy E. Kerfoot relinquished command of the 504th Military Police Battalion to Lt. Col. Christopher B. Treuting during a change of command ceremony July 8 at Nelson Field on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Tradition is embedded in a change of command ceremony where the colors are passed from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander symbolizing the continued leadership of the command.
Col. L. Omar Lomas, Commander of the 42D Military Police Brigade, presided over the ceremony. Lomas commended Kerfoot on his leadership while reflecting on his accomplishments during his time at the 504th MP Bn.
“When you look at the 504th many accomplishments over the last two years, Lt. Col. Kerfoot has been the common denominator serving as a leader of presence.” Said, Lomas. “His guidance and mission orders was clear, concise, and achievable.”
Kerfoot has had many accomplishments since taking command. These included re-missioning to a nontraditional DCRF mission, an expansion of security requirements in the strategic support area, deployments to Europe and the Southwest border all during a worldwide pandemic. This just names a few.
The outgoing commander thanked numerous troops for his success at the 504th MP Bn.
“I am humbled by the last two years in command and I thank God for the opportunity to serve.” Said, Kerfoot. “I leave this command with a debt of gratitude to every Soldier in the battalion – for making command both rewarding and for accomplishing the mission.”
As his last words, Kerfoot emphasized the great Soldiers the 504th MP Bn.
“I’ve left it all on the field of play and I pass the playbook on to LTC Chris Treuting. Chris, you have an amazing team in front of you. I know the battalion will continue to excel under your leadership and intent.” Said Kerfoot. “Best of luck to you and may God continue to bless the Soldiers and leaders of the Dragon Fighter Battalion.”
Kerfoot’s next assignment is to serve at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Lomas introduced Treuting as the new commander to the 504th team by saying, “He [Treuting] is absolutely the right leader for this battalion. He is armed with a wealth of military police experience, as well as operational and strategic knowledge, all grounded on the foundation of putting Soldiers first.”
Treuting comes to the 504th MP Bn. with a wealth of knowledge and experience. His previous assignments include platoon leader 720th Military Police Battalion (Deployed OIF 04-06) Fort Hood, TX; Aide-De-Camp for the Deputy Commanding General for Support (DCG-S) 1st Cavalry Division (Deployed OIF 06-08) Fort Hood, TX; Aide-De-Camp for the Acting Commanding General 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX; Commander 558th Military Police Company (Deployed OIF 09-10) Schofield Barracks, HI; Executive Officer, 728th Military Police Battalion (Rear), Schofield Barracks, HI; Small Group Leader for Basic Officer Leaders Course United States Army Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Battalion S3 and Executive Officer 519th Military Police Battalion, Fort Polk, LA; Chief Security Operations HQ United States Central Command; and Strategic Engagement Planner HQ United States Northern Command.
“Col Lomas, you were my first company commander, and I am honored to have you pass me the colors and the responsibility of this Battalion.” Said Treuting. “Thank you for your mentoring and counsel over these many years.”
Treuting went on to say, “I am only here because of the efforts of former mentors, peers, countless Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers who saw something in me that I couldn’t see [in] myself. Sergeant Major the Soldiers look great.”
Treuting concluded his remarks by emphasizing the great teamwork that will continue while facing the challenges ahead.
“Duty, Justice, Honor”
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