JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Almost 100 soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Military Police Brigade, received their awards for their actions during deployment, Nov. 16, at Sheridan Fitness Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The company deployed February 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and returned home, Nov. 6. During their deployment they were responsible for operating the detention facility in Parwan province, Afghanistan.
The ceremony is usually conducted down range, but according to Col. Robert M. Taradash, commander, 42nd MP Bde., the brigade team wanted the families of the soldiers to be part of the recognition that the soldiers get for all they sacrifice while deployed.
"You demonstrated selfless service over the past year and we are all extremely proud of you and what you did," said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, deputy commander, I Corps. "I want to thank you for what you do for this country each and every day."
A total of 49 Bronze Star Medals and 50 Army Commendation Medals were awarded to soldiers during the award ceremony.
First Sgt. Frederick Moore, HHC, was one of the soldiers recognized with a BSM for his hard work and outstanding leadership during the deployment.
"He's awesome, he's squared away, he gets us from point A to point B and all the way back to C with no issues," said Spc. Jeremiah Stewart, radio telephone operator, HHC.
Moore became the company first sergeant half way through the deployment, said Command Sgt. Maj. Dawn J. Rippelmeyer, 42nd MP Bde.
"First Sgt. Moore is very experienced, mature and an outstanding noncommissioned officer," Rippelmeyer said, "He's done a great job bringing the unit together."
Before becoming the company first sergeant., Moore worked as the force protection noncommissioned officer in charge in the brigade's Base Defense Operations Center.
"First Sgt. Moore is an outstanding soldier and leader, I would serve with him any day," said Cpt. Jolene Ayres, commander, HHC.
Ayres concluded the ceremony by thanking both soldiers and their families for their great work during the unit's deployment.
"Each soldier provided a unique piece of a puzzle that formed the common operating picture that we all understood. Their feats were great, their days were long, their missions challenging, but these soldiers always maintained the brigade's motto 'Integrity of Action,'" Ayres said.
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