An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | May 17, 2017

Deployed units in Kuwait honor law enforcement personnel

By Pvt. 1st Class Amanda DuMond U.S. Army

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT — Red and blue police lights illuminated the night sky in front of the Zone 1 chapel here on May 5, kicking off the start of Law Enforcement weekend.

Personnel from Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, including National Guard members, gathered together for a candlelight vigil that evening. Col. Laurence Lobdell, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, spoke about the importance of remembering those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Paul Harvey's short but powerful video "Policeman" was shown, highlighting the split-second decision making required in emergency circumstances. At the ceremony's conclusion, each attendee held a white candle to honor the fallen in a show of unity. Many in the audience had personal reasons for attending, evident by the powerful silence as the names of the fallen since the beginning of 2017 were read aloud.

Saturday morning's observance of Law Enforcement Weekend began with a 5K run. This run reminded runners of the sacrifices police officers make daily. Many runners wore law enforcement related apparel, including t-shirts adorned with versions of the "Thin Blue Line" symbol. One person even ran wrapped in an NYPD flag.

On Sunday evening, in a room lined with all 50 state flags, Soldiers, sailors and civilians attended a banquet dinner which marked the final event of the Law Enforcement weekend. The dinner was highlighted by the re-enlistment of Staff Sgt. Jenna Barge, one Soldier receiving a Silver Order of the Marechaussee, and 11 more Soldiers receiving a Bronze Order of the Marechaussee.

The Order of the Marechaussee was created by the Military Police Regimental Association to recognize exceptional dedication, competence and contribution to the Military Police Corps. To merit elevation to the Silver Order level, nominees must render at least 20 years of significant service or support to the Military Police Corps Regiment. To merit recognition as a Bronze Order level, nominees must have rendered at least 10 years of significant service. Additionally, nominees must also have had an outstanding and positive impact in various positions of increased responsibility during their service. Since the presentation of the first Marechaussee awards in September 2000, only 8 Gold, 283 Silver, and 1,961 Bronze medals have been awarded.

When asked what being awarded the Marechausee meant to her, Lt. Col. Andrea Sampson, U.S. Army Central Forensics Exploitation Lab Officer, explained "usually when you PCS (permanent change of station), you will get awards that are based on what the Soldiers under your command have achieved. This is recognition of what you've done in your career. Essentially the cherry on top." She continued to say that she was "fortunate to work for great people." Col. Russell Davis, who in civilian life works with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, was the evening's guest speaker. He lamented the negative coverage of law enforcement in social media. He explained that, often, negative stories overshadow the good news coming from police departments and other law enforcement organizations. He warned, however, that even a single "bad apple" can create a wave of undesirable press.

Criminal Investigation Command Master Sgt. Frank Jeppe also spoke to the group. "It is easy to get lost in the job. Remember who you are, what your job is and what you mean to the community. If it wasn't for community, we wouldn't have jobs" he said.

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...