MPRA recently sat down with SFC Michael D’ Andrea, the 2025 Military Police Corps Excellence in Education MPRA Scholarship awardee, to discuss his Army career, love for the MP Corps, and how this scholarship will provide him the opportunity to further his educational goals.
SFC D’Andrea, congratulations again receiving this year’s MP Corps Excellence in Education MPRA Scholarship!
SFC Michael D. Andrea, 2025 Military Police Corps Excellence in Education MPRA Scholarship Awardee
Every Soldier has a story, collectively these make our Army the most powerful army in the World. With that said, what is your story?
Thank you! I was born and raised in Portland, Maine, a place I am proud to call home. Interestingly, in my 16 years of active-duty service, I have only met three other MPs from Maine. That uniqueness has reminded me how every Soldier brings something personal and powerful to the Regiment.
There are more than 150 MOSs in the Army. What influenced you to become a 31B?
Well, I initially went to a recruiter’s office to enlist in the infantry. However, after hearing how MPs were supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan—running convoys and manning .50 Cal gun trucks—I was immediately drawn in. Two weeks later, I was on a plane to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. ready to start my journey.
We are very thankful that you chose the MP Corps as your home! Since that day, you’ve influenced countless Soldiers and helped shape the MP Corps. What was your most rewarding role to date?
My most rewarding role was serving as a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood. Here, I had the opportunity to shape hundreds of new Soldiers during their transition into the Army and the Military Police Corps.
Aside from shaping new Soldiers, what do you love most about being a Military Police officer?
I love that every assignment has been rooted in service, growth, and the opportunity to lead. Nothing compares to the privilege of helping Soldiers find their path while setting an example that inspires them both in and out of uniform.
In 2019, OPMG, in collaboration with our association, established this scholarship to support enlisted Soldiers as they pursue their educational goals. How will this scholarship help support your own educational goals?
This scholarship will allow me to complete my Master of Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts without financially straining my family. It allows me to stay focused on our future—saving for long-term goals while pursuing my final educational milestone. While this MBA represents the last formal degree I plan to pursue, I will never stop learning. Education has been a vital part of my journey. I intend to continue developing myself to serve the Regiment, the Army, and ultimately, whatever organization I align with after my military service.
Earning my MBA is not just about a degree—it is about living the values we pass on to our Soldiers: resilience, responsibility, and a relentless commitment to betterment.
Thank you for being a member of MPRA! Member support allows us to further accomplish our mission of supporting MP Soldiers, Families, and members through celebrating successes, honoring achievements, and promoting scholarly advancement.
I’m proud to belong to an association that strongly advocates for the Corps. It is truly the cornerstone of our Regiment! It not only honors the legacy of those who came before it, but also actively invests in those who serve today. MPRA shows what it means to live by “Assist. Protect. Defend.” not only on the battlefield but also in supporting each other through programs like scholarships, the Benevolent Fund, and awards such as the Order of the Marechaussee.
Joining the MPRA is joining a family. It keeps us connected across generations and assignments, ensuring no MP is alone. It is an opportunity to give back, to uplift, and to stay a part of something greater than us—even after the uniform comes off. From recognition to resources, the MPRA is a lifeline for Soldiers and families, and I am proud to be part of a Regimental Association that invests so deeply in its own.
SFC, D’Andrea, thank you again for speaking with MPRA today! Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to receive this scholarship and humbled by what the MPRA represents. From my first duty station in Schofield Barracks—where I deployed to Kandahar, to back where I started with the 728th Military Police Battalion, I’ve always tried to serve with pride, compassion, and commitment. The support of organizations like MPRA makes it possible for leaders like me to keep growing, learning, and giving back.
Thank you for all you do to honor and empower MP Soldiers and their families. I hope to continue paying that forward in every assignment I am privileged to hold.
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To learn more about joining MPRA visit Membership – Military Police Regimental Association.
Membership is open to active-duty Soldiers, National Guard and Reserve component Soldiers, retired Soldiers, and those who have served as a Military Policeman or worked in a civilian law enforcement capacity.
To learn more about all scholarship opportunities, visit Scholarship Program – Military Police Regimental Association.