Photo By Master Sgt. Faiza Evans | Lt. Col. Robert Davel, deputy commander of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, passes...... read more read more
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – The 67th Military Police Company conducted their uncasing ceremony Jan. 13, signifying the completion of their six-month deployment to Afghanistan.
The company returned to JBLM, Dec. 13, and set military police history by being the only active duty internment resettlement (corrections) company to conduct detention operations in both Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
The company of more than 100 soldiers said their goodbyes to family and friends June 21, 2013, to conduct detention operations at the Afghan National Detention Facility in Parwan.
At their color casing ceremony in June, Capt. Brian Thompson, commander, 67th MP Company, acknowledge the proud history of the unit, whose lineage dates back to World War II.
“Since this company was reactivated at JBLM in 2006, this unit has been a company of firsts on the leading edge of corrections and detention operations,” said Thompson. “In 2008, the Sentinels became the first active duty IR company to deploy in support of OIF and will be the first active duty IR company to deploy to both OIF and OEF.”
Corrections missions in theater based operations are usually conducted by Reserve component military police making this company a unit of firsts.
“I told you in June that it was my sincere hope that when we redeployed, you would stand in this formation with your head held high, proud of accomplishing a difficult deployment, each of you should feel a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Thompson.
During their deployment, the company was faced with two large-scale organized hunger strikes, which had potential to affect ongoing negotiations of detention operations between the U.S. and the government of Afghanistan.
“Your role in the early resolution of those hunger strikes earned the company congratulatory comments from every level of leadership, to include the commander of International Security Forces Afghanistan,” said Thompson.
The 67th MP Company took over this mission at a vital time in detention operations in Afghanistan. The company mission was to provide command and control support in the special housing unit and managing the care and custody of the detainees, while simultaneously providing mentorship to their Afghan counterparts so they can be proficient to take the lead at the end of 2014.
“While in Afghanistan, the Sentinels shouldered the critical work of safeguarding U.S. forces and maintaining the care custody and control of some of the Department of Defenses most strategic detainees,” said Maj. Jennifer D. Reed, provisional commander, 508th Military Police Battalion.
During their deployment, their skills were put to the test on several occasions to include conducting rapid and effective responses resulting in detainees receiving medical treatment that likely saved their lives.
During his remarks, Thompson also acknowledged the soldiers flexibility and cultural awareness during the month of Ramadan, an annual Islamic observance where detainees refrained from consuming food or drink from sun rise to sun set.
“Our soldiers endured some tough times in the facility, sometimes dealing with demoralizing situations,” said 1st Sgt. Jeneen Saucedo, senior enlisted adviser, 67th MP Company. “We encouraged them to participate in activities that would boost their morale and always stay in constant contact with their loved ones.”
While deployed, the soldiers of the 67th Military Police Company kept their spirits high by participating in the organized runs; the MP Regimental Week Competition with teams winning two events; as well as volunteering their personal time giving out school supplies to local Afghan children.
“This ceremony also marks that the unit is home and prepared to resume our garrison mission,” said Thompson.
The 67th MP Company will conduct reset and reintegration before returning to the Northwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility where their primary mission is providing guard force support while continuing to conduct the training necessary to enable the company to deploy worldwide on short notice in support of contingency operations.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2014 13:30 |
| Story ID: | 119866 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 1,408 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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