Monroe MP Company Gets New Commander and Witnesses Proposal

Photo By Maj. William Carraway | Captain Kevin R. Smith, outgoing commander of the Monroe, Ga.-based 178th Military Police Company kneels on the concrete floor of the George J. Hearn Armory, presents a ring, and asks Brittany Walker to be his wife. The formation of Soldiers erupts in applause when she says yes.  

MONROE, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

01.15.2019

Story by Maj. William Carraway 

Georgia National Guard

Georgia Army National Guard Captain Kevin R. Smith relinquished command of the Monroe, Ga.-based 178th Military Police Company to Capt. Charles G. Follin III during a ceremony attended by Soldiers, friends and family members at the George J. Hearn Armory Jan 13, 2019. Lt. Col. Copeland Rowell, commander of the 170th Military Police Battalion acknowledged the many former commanders present in the audience, notably retired Brig. Gen. Thomas McCullough, who commanded the Ga. ARNG from 1994 to 1999. Rowell then congratulated Smith on a successful command.

“The 178th MP has remained a steadfast resource that the battalion and brigade can trust to be there when needed,” said Rowell. “That is largely due to your personal efforts. Thank you for all you have done.”

Smith has seen a lot in his three years as commander of the 178th MP Company. During his command tenure the MPs mobilized for six state-active-duty missions including three hurricane responses.

“During our most recent mobilization in support of Hurricane Michael relief, I participated in the most gratifying state mission of my career,” said Smith in his farewell address. “(The 178th) ran three different points of distribution for three different counties handing out thousands of cases of water food and basic supplies to our fellow Georgians.”

Smith instructed the MPs to take pride in the fact that they are the tip of the spear for disaster relief missions in Georgia noting that the 178th was the first unit on the ground for both Hurricane Matthew and Irma.

“That is exactly the reason I joined the National Guard,” said Smith.

During the change of command ceremony, Rowell received the guidon of the 178th from Smith and passed it to Follin, signifying his assumption of command. This is the second time Follin has accepted a unit’s guidon having previously commanded the Kennesaw-based 190th Military Police Company. In addition to the guidon, Follin received the Commander’s Trophy from Smith, which displays the names of former commanders of the 178th.

Rowell congratulated Follin on the opportunity to once again take command of an MP Company.

“You are taking command of the 178th during a demanding time.” Said Rowell. “You will be required to prepare the company for their upcoming Agile Spirit mission to the Country of Georgia while maintaining our ability to respond when needed. With the support of the battalion and the Soldiers of the 178th, I know you will be successful.”

Rowell presented Smith with the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of a job well done. Smith’s girlfriend, Brittany Walker, received the Georgia Commendation Medal in for her steadfast support to the 178th over Smith’s command tenure. But there was one final unscheduled presentation left. Smith produced a ring, knelt on the armory’s concrete floor and asked for Walker’s hand in marriage. The Soldiers erupted in applause when she said yes.

• Date Taken: 01.15.2019
• Date Posted: 01.16.2019 17:20
• Story ID: 307269
• Location: MONROE, GEORGIA, US