BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Marines from three military police units across the country traveled to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for 4th Law Enforcement Battalion’s activation ceremony June 8.
Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Sidney R. Park and Sgt. Maj. Trevor Kent officially uncased the Colors during the event for the first time since the battalion deactivated in 1975.
“This is a fantastic gathering of incredibly meaningful individuals to this organization,” Park said. “Thank you all for being here.”
Attendees included representatives from several military commands, including Commanding General for Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, Brig. Gen. Paul K. Lebidine.
“It’s a great honor and a privilege to be here today and be a part of this ceremony,” Lebidine said. “The individuals here represent law enforcement Marines all over the country and the tremendous things they have accomplished.”
During the ceremony, Lebidine presented the 2012 Jim Kallstrom Leadership Award. According to Marine Administrative Message 640/12, Kallstrom Award nominees "must set the standard for all Marines to follow and exhibit qualities that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of esprit de corps, loyalty, and mission accomplishment within their unit."
“Each year the senior leadership looks out across the entire field, both active and reserve, to determine our recipients within the military police community for the areas of both bravery and leadership,” said Lt. Col. Bryan K. Wood. “This year we selected Maj. Timothy J. Humphreys.”
The battalion first activated Aug. 24, 1943, in Camp Pendleton, Calif., as 4th Military Police Company, then deactivated two years later after participating in four World War II campaigns. It reactivated in 1966 then deactivated in 1975 after relocating to New Orleans.
“I’m excited for the future of this battalion,” Park said. “For what we’ve done and what we’re about to do.”
The battalion officially reactivated Sept. 26, 2012. For additional imagery from the event, visit www.facebook.com/rstwincities.