History of the 709th MP Battalion Association
The 709th Military Police Battalion Association was the brainchild of Bradford (Brad) Mitton (D Co. 1954-57). Stationed in Bad Nauheim and Kassel, Germany, from 1954 to 1957 he was very close to six other military policemen in his unit, the 709th MP Battalion. In 1996 Mitton decided to try and find those six men and reunite with them. The first reunion was held in Delaware. With the help of the Internet the group quickly grew to 364 members.
The first Articles of Incorporation were submitted in Maryland by David M. Collins (A Co. 1955-56) on December 14, 2001. The propose of the corporation was “Social and service organization of veterans of the 709th Military Police Battalion.” The Association was first recognized by the IRS in February 2003 (which was probably a banking requirement).
Articles of Incorporation were next filed in Florida by member Tom Donnelly (C Co. 1974-76). Presently the Association’s LLC status is filed in Nevada by William Newman (527th MP Co. 1977-79).
As of this writing (Feb 2022) there is one member remaining from the Battalion’s liberation of Paris and migration to Germany. Raymond J. Wright (HQ Co. 1945-48). Mr. Wright is 98 and living in Arizona.