KABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan - “His name is Racker, like cracker” says Staff Sgt. Eric Johnson, Regional Program Manager and SSD Handler, 179th Military Police Company, (Operation Enduring Freedom), Regional Command North and Capital Afghanistan.
It is difficult to overlook Johnson who estimates his height at 6 feet 9 inches. Yet, when the tail wagging five month old Racker is at Johnson’s side it is the Labrador retriever who garners the attention. However, on this day Racker gives the spotlight to his trainer.
Friday in Patriot Square, Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, Johnson received the Military Police Regimental Association Award of The Order of the Marechaussee in Bronze for his ideals, values, outstanding work and dedication to the mission.
Col. Sylvester Cannon, Commanding Officer of the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade presented the award. “Johnson is recognized for a career that extends beyond a decade of service. He weighs the importance and long-term impact of every decision he makes” said Cannon.
For the past 13 years Johnson has dedicated his life in support of the Military Police Corps. Johnson is described as a soldier who possesses the warrior spirit to fight and win when called upon by our nation.
Johnson looks at his job and soldiers as he does his wife and children. “Trying to stay one step ahead of the game and prepare them for the possible threats that life continues to bring. I do the best that I can and make no promises so that at the end of the day when I go home, I can rest with my best friend and wife of 19 years knowing that those who look up to me have a fighting chance” said Johnson.
The distinguished Order of the Marechaussee traces its beginnings to the formation of a provost unit, the Marechaussee Corps, in the Continental Army. The corps, authorized by Congress on 27 May 1778 borrows its name from the French term for provost troops.
In 1821 the War Department outlined the duties of military police and recommended that commanders select personnel of superior intelligence and physical ability to perform these duties. Significantly, throughout the Army's history these qualities have always been identified as prerequisites for the soldiers selected to perform military police duties.
“I know how special and important it is for me to have been selected to receive the Marechaussee. In my opinion, it is the highest award that an MP can ever receive and I will wear it with pride” said Johnson.
The order reads:
The “Order of the Marchaussee” acknowledges the outstanding dedication and devotion to the Military Police Corps Regiment. Your degree of professionalism, high standards of integrity and morality, and your promotion of esprit de corps are unparalleled. These qualities mirror those required of the sixty three men, who donned the blue uniform with yellow piping, in 1778 and mounted their horses to become members of the Marechaussee Corps of the Continental Army.
You have met the challenge, as the soldiers of the Marechaussee Corps did, of being just and impartial in the performance of your duties, compassionate without being foolish, or allowing pity to cloud your judgment, and displaying your devotion to order and justice. By becoming a member of the “Order of the Marechaussee” you enter a unique organization of heroes who have emulated their predecessors, and by virtue of those acts have received the laurels of your fellow service members.