OIF Army Reserve MPs Parade in Australia

Photo By Staff Sgt. Thomas Orme | New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir salutes American Army Reserve MPs marching past her dais at Parliament House during the Reserve Forces Day Parade in Sydney, Australia on July 2, 2006.  

07.25.2006

Courtesy Story

214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Staff Sgt. Nate Orme
214th MPAD

SYDNEY, Australia (July 2, 2006) —Almost 30 soldiers from three United States Army Reserve military police units marched in the annual Australian Reserve Forces Day parade through downtown Sydney on a cool but sunny Australian winter day.

This year, the Australians invited MPs from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to highlight the 90th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police.

The 415th Military Police Detachment from St. Louis, Mo. constituted the bulk of MPs invited at 23. The unit was selected by the United States Army Reserve Command for its exemplary record while deployed to Iraq during most of 2004. The unit had previously won the Reserve Officer's Association 2006 Unit of the Year in the detachment-size category, substantially due to its service in Iraq during most of 2004. The 306th Military Police Battalion from Uniondale, NY and the 339th Military Police Company of Davenport, Iowa, also sent two soldiers each to Australia, although one of the current 415th soldiers actually served with the 339th in Iraq.

The MPs actually marched in two parades—one in the coastal city of Newcastle on July 1 followed the next day by the Sydney parade. Luckily, RFD is observed in different days in different cities. After the Newcastle parade, the city's Lord Mayor John Tate spoke to the paraders and public from a stage near the beach.

Each parade was attended by hundreds of current and former Australian Reservists going back to World War II. Many of the older soldiers served in the draft force that existed from 1951 to 1972, known as "Nashos," said Noel Moulder, President of the 2006 Nasho Reunion Association. Today's Australian military is a volunteer force.

Adding to the atmosphere, several vintage military vehicles were in operation for the parade and many of the participants wore traditional kilts, including a bagpipe troupe.

"It was cool to see the other soldiers there from different wars," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Lemkee of the 415th. "It felt good to be honored to be asked to represent the Reserve and the MP Corps."

New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir greeted the MPs prior to the start of the Sydney parade and later saluted them as they marched past her dais. Standing with the Governor was Australian hero, Victoria Cross-recipient Keith Payne. Payne is the most decorated living Australian, and is listed in Ft. Bragg's Hall of Heroes for his joint-service with the United States while in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star. Payne spoke afterward to the MPs at a private reception at Parliament House.

"It is a great honor and privilege to do what you can for the younger generation," said Payne.

Lt. Col. Irene Glaeser, coordinator with the United States Army Reserve Command and an MP as well, thanked the Australians, saying, "I've never seen so many veterans on parade. You really do it right. There is no way we can beat the Australian hospitality."

USAR

• Date Taken: 07.25.2006
• Date Posted: 07.25.2006 11:09
• Story ID: 7291