FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas — Outgoing Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility Battalion (Corrections) Command Sgt. Maj. Travis Huggard relinquished responsibility to incoming MWJRCF Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Nickie Wileman June 27, 2025, on Main Parade at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
MWJRCF Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Laura Proffit began the ceremony by noting some of the battalion’s accomplishments over the past three years, commending the unit on converting from MTOE to TDA, maintaining more than 95 percent deployability rate, soldier-to-NCO promotions, hosting pre-deployment preparation for detention operations units, and having competent instructors to bring non-corrections MPs up to speed to fill staffing gaps. Additionally, the unit performed four Federal Bureau of Prisons transfers and took in more than 30 inmates from another facility.
“We demonstrated proficiency in crisis, through exercise and real life, including quelling a disturbance, operations in severe weather conditions, facility breakdowns, thwarting escape attempts, COVID and firefighting,” she said. “All of that, and more, while providing the best professional care, custody and control of inmates 24 hours a day, every single day.”
She said those feats, of course, cannot be attributed to a single person, but noted that Huggard was there through it all.
“The soldiers of this unit have enjoyed your service and dedication to developing them into resilient warriors ready for whatever comes next,” she told Huggard. “You built the Vigilance Academy Program for our most high speed and hungry soldiers. You took the time to mentor lieutenants. You exposed your soft and cuddly side when advising company commanders and brandished your harder edges when coaching first sergeants. Your interactions with soldiers, employees and inmates exhibited genuine care for others.”
Proffit assured Huggard that his legacy of leadership would continue.
Huggard said he didn’t know what to expect when he was selected to be the battalion’s command sergeant major about three years ago, knowing “little to nothing” about Army corrections.
“But I can tell you this, I grew up in a hurry,” he said. “I grew up and became smarter in corrections because I have been blessed to be part of this great battalion of soldiers, NCOs, officers and civilians. A group of people who somehow got along with each other, worked out our differences in private, and praised each other in public. A group of subject matter experts that on a daily basis mentored and coached me to what right looks like in this specific field. And that’s the key — listening, taking mental notes, and then applying lessons learned in order to make the work environment a place where employees want to come to work.”
Huggard thanked Col. Douglas Curtis, ACC deputy commander and Army Corrections Brigade commander, for the opportunity.
“I hope I met your expectations, your intent, and was the standard bearer you expected me to be. You and (ACB Command Sgt. Maj. Brian) Watts lead a team of corrections second to none, sir.”
Huggard also thanked Proffit for being an approachable leader who offered sound advice and direction.
“You bring sanity to chaos, your priorities and intent are clearly understood, and the soldiers, NCOs, officers and civilians in this organization know you have every one of their backs,” he said. “As a command team we tackled all successes and failures together; we talked through challenges and leaned on each other for advice. As your senior enlisted advisor, I hope I have provided not only advice, but also a different way of looking at problem sets.”
Among those he thanked, Huggard listed many organizations across the installation — including Army Community Service; R2 (Ready and Resilient) Performance Center; Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation; Directorate of Public Works, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; Religious Affairs; the Garrison Command Team and more — as unsung heroes who have provided resources and assistance supporting the installation and MWJRCF.
He thanked those who work in the MWJRCF for their dedication to the job.
“The job you do may not be the most glamorous, and in fact most people, unless they go inside the facility, really do not have an understanding of what you do. But these corrections specialists are subject matter experts at what they do, and some of them have been doing it a long, long time,” Huggard said. “It is their job to provide care, custody and control, and in the end, return an inmate back to society so they can be successful. They have taken on the task the Army has asked them to do, and they are pretty good at what they do.”
Huggard welcomed Wileman “home again” to an organization with which she is familiar — among her accomplishments, Wileman previously served as an Equal Opportunity advisor for the 15th Military Police Brigade, watch commander for the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, and first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 705th MP Battalion (Detention), which is now the MWJRCF Battalion.
“Your corrections experience will be invaluable as you take responsibility as the next command sergeant major of the MWJRCF,” he said. “The battalion is full of talent and superstars, as you will soon find out. Take care of the organization; they will take care of you.”
Proffit also welcomed Wileman to the team.
“Though we have only been working together for a few weeks, I already know that you are the right leader for this organization at this time,” she said. “We have unique challenges and complex transformation ahead of us. The soldiers of the MWJRCF couldn’t ask for a better person to help guide them through this change.”
Wileman said she was honored to return to the battalion as the command sergeant major.
“Returning to the battalion that played a pivotal role in who I am is deeply humbling and meaningful,” Wileman said. “This battalion, and many of the soldiers and civilians in it, played a foundational role in shaping the leader I am today. You didn’t just serve with me, you raised me, mentored me and stood by me through both the highs and lows of my Army career. It is the greatest privilege to now stand before you in this role, ready to serve you in return.”
Wileman thanked Huggard for his leadership and reliability.
“Your mark on this battalion will not be forgotten, and I can only hope to carry forward that same professionalism and heart that you’ve shown.”
Wileman told Proffit that she looks forward to serving alongside her.
“You have my full commitment. I will work tirelessly to meet and exceed your expectations as we lead this team together.”
Wileman credited ACB soldiers, Marines and civilians as reasons why she stayed in the Army.
“Your dedication, professionalism and character inspire me daily. It’s because of you that I still love coming to work. Thank you for what you do, for your service, your sacrifice and your example.”
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