1775th MPs recognized for combat service

Photo By Sgt. April York | Lt. Col. John Cook, commander of 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, awards a 4th Infantry Division combat patch to Spc. Jessica Tuckey, a combat medic with 1775th Military Police Company, at the first combat patch ceremony held by 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, July 31. The 1775th MP Company is an Army National Guard unit from Pontiac, Mich., which deployed to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom 11-12 in April this year.  

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

07.31.2011

Story by Spc. April York 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the 1775th Military Police Company were awarded the 4th Infantry Division combat patch July 31 for serving 99 days in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom 11-12.

“The combat patch is a shoulder sleeve insignia for war time service,” said Lt. Col. John Cook, commander of 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “It’s pretty special to get to recognize [the 1775th MPs] during the middle of the fighting season.”

Cook and Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Veneklasen, command sergeant major of 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, adorned the command team from 1775th MP Company, Capt. James Blocker and 1st Sgt. Michael Lucas, with the 4th Infantry Division patch.

After the command team received their patches, the four leaders dispersed through the formation of soldiers and honored each one with a patch.

This ceremony marks the first of many to be performed by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

“We recognize the soldiers for their dedication, for their commitment, for their fortitude and for their resolve,” Cook said.

The soldiers from 1775th MP Company, a unit from Pontiac, Mich., Army National Guard, deployed in April of this year. They started their deployment under the command of 1st BCT, 4th Infantry Division, and after a transfer of authority held in June they now fall under 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, a sister brigade.

Since arriving in Kandahar, the 1775th has completed more than 500 combat patrols, 25 contingency operations plans, removed three high value targets from sub district 5 and re-captured three Sarapoza prison escapees

Lucas believes the 1775th MP Company is doing great things and they still have six months to go, he said.

“We are proud to become members of the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Bison, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, Lucas said. “We will do everything within our power to maintain the high expectations and the time honored traditions of both elements.”

• Date Taken: 07.31.2011
• Date Posted: 08.02.2011 01:37
• Story ID: 74659
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF