519th Military Police Battalion hosts change of command

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Col. Jon P. Myers, 16th Military Police Brigade commander, passes the colors to Lt. Col. Shawn C. Keller, incoming 519th Military Police Battalion commander, at the change of command ceremony held Aug. 16 on Fort Polk's Spike Field.  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

08.23.2019

Story by Angie Thorne 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — Fort Polk’s 519th Military Police Battalion “Vipers” change of command ceremony took place Aug. 16 at Spike Field. Lt. Col. Sonja L. Whitehead, outgoing commander, passed the colors to Lt. Col. Shawn C. Keller, incoming commander.
The 519th has a long and storied history. From its inception the 519th has received credit for 14 combat campaigns including those in Korea, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Col. Jon P. Myers, 16th Military Police Brigade commander, said it was an excellent day to see two great leaders exchange command.
Myers said Whitehead has continued the tradition of excellence the battalion is renown for and provides topnotch military police support to the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.
“During her tenure the battalion was challenged many times, including a short notice mission set as the homeland defense quick response force. The mission required the battalion to simultaneously prepare for a no notice response in defense of the homeland while ensuring sufficient military capacity and capability remained to secure Fort Polk. Sonja’s superb leadership helped shaped that approach then and now as the battalion prepares to assume that same mission again in October,” he said.
When the 519th MP Bn became the test battalion for the Army Combat Fitness Test, Myers said Whitehead seized the opportunity to shape the future of the Army and make the 519th a relevant contributor to Army Forces Command and the Army at large.
“The battalion responded to Sonja’s leadership and drive to accomplish every single mission assignment,” he said.
Whitehead said the 519th MP Bn is a unique and powerful organization.
“The 519th has a multitude of skills, expertise and professionalism that makes them and Fort Polk’s Directorate of Emergency Services unstoppable,” she said. “I’ve watched us accomplish so much in the last two years: Deployments, live fires, JRTC rotations, Freedom Fests, missions to the port and back, active shooter drills and more.”
Whitehead said the battalion’s first responders bear the burden of situations that can lead to chaos.
“These Soldiers are that thin blue line that separates order from unrest. We are called upon when you need professionalism and excellence to protect your neighborhoods and families, control access to the installation 24-hours per day in the heat or cold, rescue paratroopers from trees, provide hurricane relief and many other complex mission sets. We do it all with precision and attention to detail,” she said.
Whitehead thanked her commanders and first sergeants for their unwavering support.
“I never took it for granted. You have played an immeasurable role in the success of the 519th,” she said. “It’s been my pleasure to watch you lead your formations. You have made the mission happen. Thank you for your sacrifices.”
Whitehead told Keller she knows the Vipers are in good hands.
“They are ready to carry our your every intent and vision. This formation is strong and lethal. They are skilled professionals, trusted combat multipliers and able to accomplish any mission,” she said.
Myers said Keller steps up to assume the helm of a great outfit.
“He is no stranger to the contemporary combat support military police environment. He is an incredibly knowledgeable leader fully prepared to continue pushing the battalion forward to high levels of success and accomplishment,” he said.
Keller said he was both honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead the 519th MP Bn.
“To the Soldiers, civilians and Family members of the 519th, I’m excited to join the Viper team. Thank you for the wonderful ceremony. You are battle hardened and, in my eyes, the best battalion in the Army,” said Keller. “I’m proud to be on your team. You have already proven to me your commitment to the mission and earned my respect. Now it is my turn to earn yours.”

• Date Taken: 08.23.2019
• Date Posted: 08.23.2019 10:48
• Story ID: 337050
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US