Features

21st TSC captain awarded Order of the Marechaussee

Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Sparks
21st Theater Sustainment Command
February 2, 2024
Cpt. Natalie Budner, current operations officer, Theater Movement Center, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, is presented the Steel Order of Marechaussee by Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, commanding general of the 21st TSC and Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus, senior enlisted advisor to the 21st TSC, Jan. 26, on Panzer-Kaserne. Budner was awarded the Steel Order of the Marechaussee and is one of only 167 people to receive the award. “I think giving out awards like this an honor, it’s thanks to you and the great officers and NCOs that are standing behind you. It truly is an honor to present this,” said Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, commanding general of the 21st TSC.

Capt. Natalie J. Budner was awarded the Order of the Marechaussee, steel category, at Panzer Kaserne, Jan. 26. Budner was the former 554th Military Police Company Commander and is now the current operation officer for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Theater Movement Center.

The award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a military police officer in the Military Police Regimental Association. It is named after the Marechaussee Corps, formed in 1778 at Valley Forge by Gen. George Washington to police the Army and secure fugitives. There are four categories of the Order of Marechaussee: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Steel.

Cpt. Natalie Budner, current operations officer, Theater Movement Center, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, poses with her friends, peers, and the 21st TSC command team after being awarded the Order of the Marechaussee, Jan. 26, on Panzer-Kaserne. Budner was awarded the Steel Order of The Marechaussee and is one of only 167 people to receive the award.

“I would ask you to not take this award lightly,” said Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, 21st Theater Sustainment Command Commanding General. “I think giving out awards like this is an honor, it’s thanks to you and the great officers and NCOs that are standing behind you. It truly is an honor to present this.”

To be eligible for this award, Budner was required to have less than ten years of service, shown outstanding support to the regiment and have supported more than one element of the Military Police Regiment.

Budner’s accomplishments towards this award included planning and executing seven brigade missions in support of operations spanning across six NATO countries. Additionally, she performed all law enforcement operations for U.S. Army Stuttgart along with support missions for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.

“It feels amazing, and I’m completely honored to earn this award. The Marechaussee is an MP Corps award that honors those who’ve contributed to a regiment, and to be even considered as somebody who’s contributed truly means a lot,” said Budner. “Some people see the MP Corps as just the big establishment at Fort Leonard Wood, but to me the Corps comes from the enlisted, NCO’s and officers who serve in it every single day.”

Budner has dedicated herself to a career of selfless service and sets an example for others to follow. She has performed with distinction at every turn and continues to seek out opportunities for growth, always striving to do what is best for the Military Police Corps Regiment.

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