Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Maj. Timothy Starke receives the battalion colors from Col. Jerry Morrison, commander of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during a change of command ceremony for the 198th Military Police Battalion in Fort Knox, Ky., Nov. 16, 2014. Starke assumed command from Lt. Col. John Treufeldt. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FORT KNOX, Ky. -- Maj. Timothy Starke took charge of the 198th Military Police Battalion during a change of command ceremony at Fort Knox, Nov. 16, 2014. Friends, family and former MPs of the unit joined the roughly 800 Soldiers of the 198th in welcoming the new commander of Kentucky's Thoroughbred Battalion.
"It's such an honor to be entrusted with command of such a fine group of Soldiers," said Starke.
He assumed command from Lt. Col. John Treufeldt who led the battalion since 2012.
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"It's just a great honor to serve with this unit and all the people here today," said Treufeldt. "This has been the most fun I've ever had."
"Its humbling to be here with former commanders and other friends of this battalion and the MP community," he continued. Sure, we're here for a ceremony, but its the unit that done all this great stuff. I've just been able to put my name on it for the past two and a half years. Maj. Starke has been here for a while and there couldn't be a better person to give this to."
After 31 years in uniform, Treufeldt said he plans to stay. He will move to Joint Forces Headquarters working special projects with the personnel and finance sections.
Starke, a 15-year Army Veteran previously served as the battalion's executive officer and said the familiarity will benefit the unit during the transition.
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Col. Jerry Morrison presents Lt. Col. John Treufeldt with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., Nov. 16, 2014. Treufeldt led the 198th Military Police Battalion since 2012 and handed over command to Maj. Timothy Starke during the ceremony. (U.S. Army national Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
"Lt. Col. Treufeldt and I have worked together for years, I have a great deal of respect for him, we see things very similarly in many ways," he said. "There is a lot of continuity in the organization, which is great for the Soldiers. They won't see much difference in the way things are done."
"I just want to live and enjoy each and every day and try to help these Soldiers continue the heritage and pride of this unit, and create their own legacy here," said Starke.
Next up for the battalion, as Starke said is to "take a breath" and enjoy a family day for the holidays in December, a time he is ready to enjoy as the new commander.
"That's when we get to get out and meet the families, that's what I'm excited about. We can't do this without families. We have to wrap our arms around them and let them know they are a part of this military police family."
The MP battalion is made up of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 223rd Military Police Company, the 438th MP Co., the 617th MP Co., the 940th MP Co. and the 1103rd Law and Order Detachment.
Since 2001, the units of the battalion have mobilized 13 times in support of overseas operations including Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia.