The Order of the Vivandieres is an award presented by the Military Police Regimental Association that recognizes spouses who voluntarily make significant contributions to the morale, welfare, and spirit of Soldiers and family members in their units of the Military Police Corps Regiment. The receipt of this award recognizes their tremendous sacrifice and support for Soldiers and Families through volunteerism. This is an awesome award to present and we love seeing Military Police Spouses receive this honor.
Last week, we received a message from MAJ Patrick Martel, Reserve Component Mission Support Office Project Officer- AMC, 142nd MP Brigade, regarding his wife’s (Mrs. Jennifer Martel) recent Order of the Viandieres award presentation. He wanted to share her words from a social media post she made and some pictures she shared.
This past Friday, the 142d Military Police Brigade had their first dining out! We have not been to one of these in YEARS! Patrick was the primary organizer of this spectacular event of 200ish soldiers, spouses, family, and friends. He has put in many months, late nights, trips to the venue, orders, emails, phone calls, and on and on. These events are very structured and include traditions including toast for the President all the way down to the ladies and the fallen comrades. A table is set in remembrance of the fallen soldier. The cake is cut using a saber jointly by the soldiers with the most and least military experience. A regimental punch is concocted using an interesting array of symbolic ingredients. Awards are also presented. I humbly must declare that I received the Order of the Vivandieres medal. This is an award for spouses of Military Police. Currently there are less than 500 men and women who have received this honor and there were only two others in attendance. It was very overwhelming to stand in front of this many highly dedicated soldiers and receive a standing ovation. Thank you for this great honor! The “ball” ended with everyone standing while everyone sang along to the Anthem of the United States Army. To be in a room primarily filled with men in their most formal dress blues SINGING was a surreal chill bumps moment. I will remember this night forever!
We are thankful for the Martels for sharing this with us and allowing us to share this with our members and supporters. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Jennifer Martel on receiving this award!