SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Governor Michael Parson, 57th governor of Missouri and 25th Infantry Division veteran, visited Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 16, 2023.
Along with the First Lady of Missouri, Teresa Parson, the governor met with senior leaders and Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division and the 8th Theater Sustainment Command.
Although the uniforms worn by the Soldiers were different, a lot remained familiar to Parson who was stationed at Schofield Barracks on Oahu in 1977.
“Some of the base is different, but a lot of it still looks the same,” he said. “Regardless, everyone is here for the same reason of serving our country.”
Parson said the skills and resiliency he learned during his 6-year enlistment helped him immensely in life.
“I used the things I learned in the Army, the discipline, focus, and education, when I was elected Sheriff and I still draw upon that foundation everyday as governor,” he said.
Parson shared stories of his time in service with Soldiers assigned to the 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Brigade. While interacting with the Soldiers he was also given a tour of a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derrick Milner, a military policeman and St. Louis, Missouri, native assigned to the 8th Military Police Brigade, said the opportunity to meet his governor is unique.
“It was interesting to be recognized by him,” said Milner, who was acknowledged by the governor for representing his home state and serving honorably. “It is always good to have home state representation and there’s added pride that he served here and in a similar capacity as well.”
At the conclusion of his visit, Parson made sure all the Soldiers in the motorpool heard his final remarks.
“I want to thank everyone for their service. I know you all would be ready to go tomorrow if they asked you to… and that right there, is the most important thing.”
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