Kirkland native Col. Curtis Schroeder returned to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. to assume the next step of leadership in the 14th Military Police Brigade during a change-of-command ceremony held June 30 in Swift Gym.

Schroeder, who previously served as a company commander and battalion commander within the brigade, replaced Col. Niave Knell as brigade commander.

“You have history here, and your credentials make you a perfect fit. I am honored to see you return,” Brig. Gen. Kevin Vereen, U.S. Army Military Police School commandant, told Schroeder.

Vereen welcomed Schroeder and his family back to Fort Leonard Wood, the brigade and the home of the regiment.

“Good luck to you as you take on the challenges that lie ahead,” Vereen said to Schroeder. “You are the right leader for this critical time in our army.”

Schroeder thanked Vereen, Knell and the soldiers in the regiment who have helped forge the way forward for the brigade, adding that he is humbled to be the new brigade commander.

Schroeder was commissioned as a second lieutenant through a Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Central Washington University.