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MANNHEIM, Germany — The 709th Military Police Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony April 28 at the parade field in Grafenwöhr, Germany, where Lt. Col. Roger Hedgepeth assumed command of the Warrior Battalion from Lt. Col. Rob Dillon.
The 709th MP Bn. was joined in formation by members of the 451st Feldjäger Battalion from Munich, Germany, and their commander, German Lt. Col. Thomas Speck.
On a bright sunny morning, in the shadow of Grafenwöhr’s iconic water tower, Colonel Dillon paid a final tribute to his warriors. In an emotional speech, as he looked over the battalion standing in formation one last time, he thanked the Soldiers and leaders for their hard work and dedication. In a tribute to the service and sacrifices of the Soldiers of his battalion, Colonel Dillon named the seven battalion Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and noted that “although their lives may have been cut short, it is our responsibility to ensure their memories live on forever.”
Colonel Dillon recently returned from a 12-month tour in Afghanistan where he commanded the 709th MP Bn. in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Col. Thomas Evans, the commander of the18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, spoke of Colonel Dillon’s historic accomplishments as a commander, and the accomplishments of his Soldiers.
Colonel Evans said Colonel Dillon had “left a legacy of excellence … where (he) trained Soldiers and leaders of our Army and commanded young Americans in combat, and did so with true distinction.”
Colonel Evans also said that under Colonel Dillon’s leadership, “the Soldiers and family members of the Warrior Battalion have been trained, led and cared for with total dedication.”
Colonel Hedgepeth is no stranger to either the 18th MP Bde. or the 709th MP Bn. In 2003, he deployed with the 18th MP Bde. in support of OIF and then in 2005, Colonel Hedgepeth returned to Iraq with the 709th MP Bn.
In his speech, Colonel Hedgepeth recognized the accomplishments of the Warrior Battalion under Colonel Dillon’s leadership and said he was excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead such an outstanding organization. He counted it a privilege “to be back home in the Warrior Battalion and to have this opportunity.”
Colonel Hedgepeth was accompanied by his wife Lisa and his two sons Jacob and Lucas. After the ceremony, the 709th MP Bn. welcomed their four newest members with a reception.
