JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD – Our Army has held ceremonies like the change of command since the Army’s birth in 1775. The formations of troops centered on the nation’s flag represents the Army and it’s wiliness of making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
The 42D Military Police Brigade Change of Command Ceremony carried the time honored military tradition on July 12, 2021.
The Commanding General of America’s First Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Major General Xavier T. Brunson passed the command from Colonel L. Omar Lomas to Colonel Robert B. McNellis on Watkins field.
“America’s Protectors, it truly is a privilege for me to pass the Colors today between these great commander’s and for this great unit.” Said Brunson. “There are certain units that have always been “people first.” And that phrase definitely applies to the 42D MP’s and the Department of Emergency Services.”
Brunson emphasized the accomplishments from Lomas during his time as the 42D MP BDE commander saying – “The 42D MPs are a unit that accomplishes a diverse array of missions. These missions include assisting immigration authorities along the Southwest border, supporting 1st Corps in a warfighter in conducting large scale combat operations, and detention operations…They are vital part of the great JBLM community.”
Lomas leaves a Military Police brigade that has seen accomplishment after accomplishment during the height of a world-wide pandemic.
“Since 2005 and throughout the history of this brigade, Protectors have always prided themselves in being in accomplishing the mission.” Said, Lomas. “Whether it was operating a confinement facility, supporting maneuver units at the Combat Training centers or in combat and securing the installation in the middle of a pandemic, these Soldiers before you are the consummate professionals who have done it all. To date, Protectors have never disappointed. I am very proud of them.”
Lomas also emphasized that he had consummate professionals by his side.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Laird and Command Sgt. Maj. Thompson, each of you have been a trustworthy and steadfast battle buddy and friend.” Said, Lomas. “I am a better officer, Soldier and person because of you and the impact you have had on me.”
Lomas further commended those under his command.
“During these last two years, the 42nd MP Brigade has been blessed to have great battalion command teams.” Said, Lomas. “To Lt. Col. Hodl, Lt. Col. Kerfoot, Command Sgt. Maj. Moranski and Command Sgt. Maj. Marshall, thank you for leading our Soldiers and taking care of their families. You created experts, improved readiness, created memories and you made a difference in our Soldier’s lives. Lt. Col’s Kesselring and Treuting, best of luck to both of you during your tenures in command.”
Lomas will now head to the District of Washington and serve as the Provost Marshal.
Brunson also welcomes McNellis saying – “We know you are great “Protector” family with a lot of MP experience. We look forward to having you in our great community.”
McNellis first addressed his troops by saying – “Protector Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers standing on the field today, those presently working law enforcement and security shifts, and for the forward deployed Protectors serving all around the world, your reputation precedes you. You truly embody our motto “Integrity of Action.” I am deeply honored and humbled to have the privilege to serve alongside you.”
McNellis comes to the 42D MP BDE with a wealth of knowledge serving in a multitude of assignments. Those assignments include Platoon Leader with 2nd Military Police Company, 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, South Korea. He served as a Platoon Leader and Rear Detachment Commander of the 66th Military Police Company and as Provost Marshal Operations Officer at Joint Base Lewis McCord. He then served as Assistant S3 and Battalion S1 in the 728th Military Police Battalion in Daegu, South Korea.
He also commanded the 57th Military Police Company in
Waegwan, South Korea, deploying to Baghdad, Iraq as part of the 2006 troop surge and later re-stationing to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii in 2007. He served as Small Group Leader for the Military Police Captain’s Career Course and Chief, Military Police Basic Officer’s Leadership Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri from 2008 to 2010. He then served as Battalion S3 and Battalion Executive Officer for the 92nd Military Police Battalion, deploying to Gardez, Afghanistan in 2011. Upon redeployment, COL McNellis served as Brigade Executive Officer for the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From 2013 to 2016, lastly, McNellis served as Executive Officer to the J3 at Joint Forces Command, Naples Italy.
McNellis closed the ceremony by saying – “For Col. Lomas, congratulations on a job well-done. I wish you and your family all the best as you embark on a new adventure in DC. Thanks for everything you have done for this great Brigade and the JBLM military community.”
“Integrity of Action”
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