Transcript
– [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the United States Army Military Police school, 2020 Regimental Hall of Fame induction. All parts of this ceremony were conducted in accordance with the most recent COVID-19 guidelines. In 1992, the military police regimental association established the military police Regimental Hall of Fame to recognize and honor former members of the Military Police Corps who made significant contributions to the development of the regiment. Each year, The United States Army Military Police School accepts nominations from across the world for induction into the Hall of Fame. A special selection board of past and present senior members of the regiment convenes to review each nominee’s military service and merit. Selected nominees significantly contributed to the evolution and definition of the Military Police Corps’ character, doctrine, mission and/or training. In certain instances, the selection recognizes exemplary or heroic actions. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a distinct pleasure to introduce the Chief of the Military Police Corps Regiment and the commandant of the United States Army Military Police school, Colonel Neve F. Nayal.
Hi, am Colonel Neva f.Nayal of 51st commandant. Today, it’s my pleasure to announce the 2020 regimental hall of fame winners. This is the largest group of recipients that we’ve had. We have eight total. They represent two of our composts. Hopefully next year we’ll represent all three, but we do represent three of the missions. We have the combat support, MP mission, CID mission, and the corrections mission represented. Two of our recipients are winners for a metals for Valor. All of our winners exemplify our motto of assist, protect, and defend, and all continue to serve in some capacity, either as volunteers or as DA civilians. We’re all very proud of our 2020 hall of fame, inductees and congratulations to them.
Today. We honor colonel retired, Michael Galoucis outstanding leadership and significant contributions to our military police Corps regiment, our army and our nation. Ladies and gentlemen. It is my pleasure to welcome command Sergent, major retired, Mike Samson to introduce colonel Galoucis.
Good afternoon, everyone I’m command Sergeant major retired, Mike Samasoon and I bring your greetings alive, kind of Form right outside of Houston and beautiful parallel in Texas. Wow. What an honor, it is for me today to present to you. My brigade commander and my battle buddy Colonel retired. Mike Galoucis, better known as G to most of us. And let me you, i could spend hours talking to you about G, if I won’t keep it down to just a few minutes. We first met at Fort Leonard wood in 2000, we’ve known each other for 20 years. Our first meeting, we spent three hours talking mainly about the army, the MPS, our soldiers and of course with sports, if you don’t like G that’s going to come up in every conversation. I knew I just notified officer and one that I would enjoy working for one day, given the opportunity. Well in January of 2005, then regimental commanders Sergent major Jim Barrett called me in Korea and asked me if I was ready to take a quick move, quick PCs to Fort hood, Texas to become the 89th MP brigade CSL. I only had two questions for Jim. One who was the commander going to be? And two, when are we scheduled to deploy? Jim said Colonel G and August. I simply said who? And I was on my way. A couple of months later, I arrived at Fort hood in may of 2005. And we assumed our positions as the 89th MP brigade command team of same time. Our deployment timeline was pushed back a little bit until August of 2006 per year. That gave us the opportunity to ensure the brigade headquarters was prepared and to build some great relationships with BNP battalions that were scheduled to deploy with us. You gotta remember back then, we were just beginning to align the first comment P battalions, with the MP brigades here at FORSCOM. It was in that year that I truly got to know G the bottom line up front G is a great leader, a soldier soldier, and he was outstanding brigade commander. He was truly an inspirational commander. He had a tremendous faith and confidence in his non-commissioner officers. I can’t tell you the number of times that he would receive a briefing, that decision briefing, especially an operator briefing. And he turned to me and say, Sir major. What’s your input on this? What’s your take or he’d ask the other attending battalion Sergeant major or first sergeants or the operation sergeants bottom line is he never made a decision without NCO input. And that desire for input from NCO was as genuine as it was required. He fostered a great command climate. One that encouraged every soldier of all ranks to take initiative and to try new approaches when attacking a task, the entire brigade knew can reduce velocity, and that he supported that you’re talking about communication. That was probably g’s strongest trait. He always kept our soldiers informed. He believed in presenting the absolute truth. He was a straight shooter and the soldiers in the brigade trusted him. They knew he wasn’t going to sugar coat, anything that he was telling them. And he never passed up the opportunity to address the formation of soldiers. He truly loved talking directly to the soldier. That’s when he was in his element. And our deployment window covered what was documented as the deadliest period on the Iraqi war, dealing with the surgeon and all the things that went along with that. And Colonel G routinely traveled outside the wire, visiting our units and interacting with the Iraqi police. Unlike most of his fellow brigade commanders, Colonel G never, never requested dedicated helicopter support in Iraq. He opted to travel the same dangerous roads his soldiers did every day. He believed that presented them with confidence and it did. Colonel G always fought to make sure our soldiers had the resources they needed to fight and win on the battlefield before and during our deployment, I saw him go toe to toe with his peers for on more than one occasion, fighting for the scarce resources and equipment that was available back then. For those watching this Now, if we ever meet in a bar, buy your beer and tell you a great deployment story involving two star General visiting the brigade headquarters to discuss his plan for new equipment fielding in the theater, Colonel G not happy, a spouse, a few select that verbs, adjectives. And I think he dangled one part simple and the two star general stormed out of brigade headquarters interact. But you know what? Two weeks later, the ADI MP brigade moved up from ninth to second in priority for up armored convees, the fielding in theater throughout our tour. We believe that saved last, Hey, it may take two beers. It was pretty good story. And with all I can say about Colonel G in his active duty career, I believe the full measure of an army leader isn’t realized until long after they hang up the uniform. For example, he’s been retired for 10 years, yet he maintains relationships with great many of his soldiers, officers and NCO is alike, and he continue serving then as a mentor today, he’s been asked since he retired to preside over dozens of promotions, retirements, and award ceremonies for both officers and NCOs, he’s never once declined the opportunity or the privilege of doing that. And he continues serving our soldiers today in the senior executive service of the department of veterans affairs as a veterans experience officer, working to improve the veterans experience and soldiers transition to the BAS healthcare system, or if they’re a client for other VA benefits and there’s much more. And I know Colonel G would say he is receiving this honor today due to the successes of the officers, non-commission officers and soldiers that he had the privilege to serve with. And while that is certainly true as an end result, Colonel G, I would say to you that your outstanding leadership, constant support, and always providing a healthy environment that brought out the very best of your soldiers, always land in to thrive and succeed. That sir is why I believe you’ve earned this recognition. We’ve said many times that our soldiers and their successes are our credentials. Sir, you have great credentials and I’m so happy for Colonel G. And I know that as lovely wife, Theresa and two children Mike and Kate are extremely proud. He would be the first to tell you he would not have been able to serve our soldiers and their families as he did without their complete support, congrats to the entire G team. And thank you Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, soldiers, family members, and friends of the military police Corps regiment. I present to you an outstanding officer, my friend, and most importantly, my brother current retired Michael S Galoucis.
[Announcer] Thank you, Sir Major. Colonel retired, Michael Galoucis, served in the military police Corps regiment for 30 years. Covering the cold war through the global war on terrorism. He commanded the 89th military police brigade over 15 month deployment in support of operation Iraqi freedom. Colonel Galoucis served in the Pentagon as the MP cores, last director of the headquarters department of the army law enforcement division and played a vital role in the reestablishment of the office of the provost Marshall general, following the approval. He served as the first chief of operations for the office of the provost marshal general, Colonel Galoucis represented the military police Corps while serving in high visibility assignments, including special assistant and media spokesperson for the 33rd army chief of staff. The senior speech writer for the 35th army chief of staff, the public affairs advisor and media spokesperson for the 23rd and 24th vice chiefs of staff and the executive officer to the major general serving as the director of the army operation center. The culminating assignment of his career was serving over two years on the DOD staff as the senior military officer responsible for activating a new global department of fence field operating agency. The defense media activity mandated by Congress through the base realignment and closure legislation. Colonel retired Galoucis continues to serve in the senior executive service at the department of veterans affairs and recognition of his truly significant achievements and exceptional contributions to our country and the United States army military police Corps. Colonel retired Galoucis is hereby inducted into the Military police corps Regimental Hall of Fame. By the order of the chief of the military police Corps, Colonel Galoucis is awarded with the regimental hall of fame medallion engraved with his name and years of service. The medallion carries the regimental crest along with a wooden regimental case. Colonel Galoucis is also receiving a regimental hall of fame certificate of induction signed by the chief of the military police Corps. And they regimental hall of fame lapel pen. Lastly, he will receive one of two bricks donated by the NPRA. The second brick will be placed at the MP Memorial Grove, ladies and gentlemen, the newest inductee to the regimental hall of fame. Colonel retired, Michael Galoucis
I appreciate those remarks, Mike, and I’m going to talk about that guy more later. Let me start by thanking the soldiers who nominated me and endorse my packet. Am both humbled and honored by this recognition. I was actually shocked when Brian Bizaca called to inform me, my dad, his dad, and all my uncles served in the army. Guess even as a kid, I always knew one day I’d be a soldier. First thought about becoming an MP many years ago, my high school basketball coach, Joe menace was an MP who was on duty throughout the Nuremberg trials in Germany in 1945 at the end of world war two at ROTC advanced camp at Fort Bragg in 1979, I met a shy and unassuming MP Lieutenant. I presume many of you know, by the name of Ted Spain, Ted reinforced in my mind, I needed to become an MP over several cold beverages one night on hay street, and we remained close friends today, 41 years later. During my 30 years on active duty, never sought recognition, fame or fortune, and never in my wildest dreams. Did I envision one day being in this position just tried to be the best soldier, the best leader and the best MP I could be. My focus was always on my soldiers, their families, and our mission. Right up front. I want to say there is no way in hell, I’d be here right now. If not for so many people who helped me at some point along my journey as a soldier. Had great role models as a young officer, my first MP battalion commander was Bob Walter’s senior. And my first MP company commander was Bruce Olicson. Both men had served as green Berets and Vietnam. And I learned a lot about leadership and about life from them. Worked for some great bosses, who helped train and develop me. I thought I might have some potential Sal Chidikimol, Peter D. Hoffman, Dave Trudy, and Don rider. I also have worked closely with some great MPS, Rod Johnson, Glen beard, Command Sir Major Don Thomas, Bobby dykes, Greg Bert, Dave Glaser, Sam mans Berger, Mark Inch and Dave Ken line. And going back more than 30 years have had two of the best mentors and MP could ever ask for in Gail Meyer and Steve Curry. I always valued my peers throughout my career and was often inspired by their example. Superb MP officers, such as Joe Curtin, Tracy Williams, JC Chandeliers, Eric Provo, Dave Quantock, Dave Phillips, George Milan, Joe Repoed, Paul English cap Miller, Mike Baumgardner, Margie Garrison, Mack Huey, Chuck Tennyson, Brenda Bes, Way Dennis and Rose millet to name a few. While assigned to Washington DC. I had the unique opportunity to work closely with suburb senior officers, such as Gordon Sullivan, Dennis Rhymer, Rick Shinseki, Pete Corelli, John Campbell and Clyde Vaughn. None of those generals were MPS, but I learned how the army runs at the strategic level and a whole lot about leadership from observing them. And I also did my best to inform and educate them about our MP core. Everyone I’ve mentioned so far had a positive impact on my life, but the men and women who are directly responsible for me receiving this special honor of the thousands of MP soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, who I had the privilege of leading in peace time. And in wartime, I am here because of them figuratively and literally their competence, dedication, professionalism, selfless service, sacrifices, and courage is why the units I led were successful. Starting with my first day as a platoon leader in Germany, in the early 1980s during the cold war, right up until my last day as a brigade commander at Fort hood, more than 25 years later during the global war on terrorism, I’ve been fortunate to serve in the same units with so many suburb soldiers. I’m going to name some of those soldiers now, Brian Fessor, Charles McGee, Michael Azar, Joe Santos, Malcolm Bloomer, Scott Damron. Steve Rathbun, Tom Collins, Lex Gaylord, Jim North, Jim Burke, Sean Carney, Mike Miciller, Bill Generali. Kevin Sickinger, Jim Sullivan, Jerry Thomas, Jason Fitzpatrick and Meredith Bob Terra Dash, Ross Gib, Brian Anderson, Tom Blair, John Curry. Frank Ran Gal and Drew Craig Mike Apodaca and Kevin Dolan. Bob Cosgrave, Len Cosby and Pat Dawson. Eric Krantz, Steve Yamashita, Liz Cane, Jason Sama, Scott Blanchard, Steve Rooney, Nate Wilder, Darryl Johnson, Casey Mose, Richie Han, Steve boot, Carey, Jason Avery, bill Griffin, Jason Burke, Omar Lomas, John Spivy, Brett Deem, Joe Buckler, Randy Bittner, Matthew Crawford, Joshua Smith, Michael Lynch. Samari Thompson, Frank blanche, Matt Mulroney, Veronica Rigo booty, Danny weekly, Kevin trainer, Pat Franklin, Chris Layton, Bill Benner, Jeff Davies, and Gary Millner. And yes, a great brigade command signed major by the name of Mike Samson. Not once in our time together at Fort hood before deployment or during our 15 months down range. Did Mike Samson ever give me bad advice? Seriously could not have had a better command Sergeant major or a better battle, buddy. Those soldiers I just named and far too many more to mention where the reasons any unit I was privileged to lead was considered successful. Over the years, i also worked closely with some incredible department of the army civilians, such as Ray Coffey, Judy fielder, Eddie Houton, Billy Ray Rhodes and Chris Zimmer. All true professionals. How could anyone not succeed surrounded by all those great Americans. Along my journey, I met the love of my life Trace. Who served over 20 years in the army herself as a dentist, we’ve now been married almost 31 years, and we were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Kate and a wonderful son, Michael, who have brought much joy into our lives are both college graduates and make us proud in so many other ways every day, General Ray Odierno used to say the strength of our nation is the army, the strength of the army is our soldiers and the strength of our soldiers is our families. That’s a great quote. I’m eternally grateful for the sacrifices, the families of my soldiers and my own family made during my many years in uniform, anyone who has been a leader knows the army has never been about any individual. It’s about building strong well-trained and motivated teams that can accomplish their mission under any conditions. We all know there is no iron team. Not a day passes I don’t think about the thousands of soldiers. I had the privilege of leading in Iraq in 2006 and 2007 active guard and reserve, including a few air force security detachments, and some Navy officers who are experts on blue force trackers and electronic warfare. It was a tough 15 month tour for everyone. We were in Iraq for a large part of the year of the police and throughout the historic search, some of our 89th MP brigade teammates made the ultimate sacrifice and never made it back while many more suffered life-changing injuries. Everyone in the brigade was somehow effected and came back a different person. We also made a difference in the overall competence and capabilities of the Iraqi police and the brigade certainly accomplished our assigned missions. And we added significantly to the broader MNCI mission and the many other army and Marine units we supported. for that every one on the brigade on that OIF tour should always be proud of what we accomplished. I know I am. My experience as an MP helped shape who I am today. I still maintain contact with many MP officers in NCO on active duty. With the MP school through NPRA and with other retired MPS through RMPOA. But my time as an MP has come and gone, a new generation of MPS is now carrying the torch and they are doing great things every day for our army and for our country. I will always be proud of my service as an MP. And I know our MP regiment remains in good hands. I will close by saying how honored I am to now be among this special group of MPS, including my fellow 2020 inductees, and to have my photo placed on the same wall in our MP museum, along with so many MPS I know, served with and respect. Everyone whose name I mentioned in these remarks. And so many more, not mentioned, had a huge role in helping me be a better leader and a better MP to every MP past and present. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this special honor. Assist, protect, defend of the troops for the troops. God bless our army and military police Corps regiment, and God bless the United States of America. who wow
[Announcer] thank you,Colonel Galoucis ladies and Gentlemen at this time, Colonel Galoucis photo was being unveiled on the hall of fame wall, signifying his induction into the military police regimental hall of fame. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us for the playing of the military police Corps, regimental, March, and the army song. (Orchestral Music playing) Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for watching the virtual induction ceremony for Conlonel retired Galoucis until the 2020 military police regimental hall of fame.