Fort Leavenworth Military Prison marks 150 years of service

On May 21, the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, the oldest Federal correctional facility, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the United States Congress approving the establishment of a military prison located on the military reservation at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The anniversary was commemorated with a three-day reunion full of events May 19-21, 2024, at Fort Leavenworth, with more than 200 current and former staff participating.

More than 190 alumni attended a welcome reception May 19 at the VFW Post 56 in Leavenworth.

Peter Grande, USDB historian and former USDB chief of staff, kicked off the program with a presentation, “The History of the USDB: Changes Over Time,” May 20 at the Lewis and Clark Center. Grande cited the USDB’s worldwide reputation of being the “Military Center of Corrections Excellence” and traced the military prison’s 150- year history, highlighting significant events by decades. The USDB was temporarily transferred to the Federal Prison System twice in its history to relieve crowding. Between 1895-1906, prisoners from Fort Leavenworth built the U.S. Penitentiary – Leavenworth, the first federal prison. The presentation also covered the expansion of the inmate population during wartime, the execution of soldiers and prisoners of war, infamous inmates, and the decision to build the new U.S. Disciplinary Barracks because the “Castle” was no longer structurally sound.

The 56th and current USDB Commandant Col. Kevin M. Payne thanked former USDB commandants, command sergeants major, and staff who returned for the celebration and told them they were the reason why the institution has such a reputation. Eighty-one-year-old retired Col. Forrest Chilton IV, former USDB Battalion commander, was recognized as the oldest USDB staff member attending. Don Jauquet, who also attended, served as a first lieutenant, military personnel officer from 1967-1969.

A windshield tour of Fort Leavenworth was provided by George Marcec, Garrison Public Affairs Office. A tour of the recently renovated USDB Sales Store was a treat for those who remembered the small sales store where the current ITR office is located. The new products produced by the inmates in the vocational training shops are per the guidelines of the Bureau of Apprenticeship, Department of Labor. Products from welding, embroidery, textiles, wood and graphic arts have been made to include the USDB 150th theme design.

Facility tours of both the Old U.S. Disciplinary Barracks and the new facility, which opened in 2002 on land that was once the USDB Farm, were sentimental for those returning to where they worked and being able to share the experience with friends and family members.

It was particularly special for 12 former commandants to tour and see the programs and projects they initiated and to see the vast improvements over the years. Retired Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire, the first female commandant of the USDB, transitioned the staff, equipment and inmates to the new USDB in 2002.

A walking tour of the Old USDB was conducted by former senior NCOs who worked behind the walls. The tour was a highlight for many USDB alumni, who reminisced about working in the building known as the “Castle”.

The day ended with a dinner at the 35th Infantry Division Headquarters, featuring the famous barbecue of the Kansas City area.

On May 21, a plaque dedication ceremony was conducted in the Lewis and Clark Center. The ceremony was hosted by Maj. Gen. Duane R. Miller, commanding general of Army Corrections Command and provost marshal general. The USDB sesquicentennial anniversary plaque will hang in the main entrance hallway of the Old USDB.

USDB retirees, staff and their families, Kansas legislators, and representatives from the Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth Garrison, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Navy Corrections and Army Corrections were among those who attended the unveiling.

Ceremony narrator Charles Davis — himself a former military occupational specialty “95 Charlie” — read a recognition letter from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and a proclamation from City of Leavenworth Mayor Griff Martin, as well as letters of congratulations from CAC Commanding General Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., and CAC Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Helton, and Miller and ACC Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Klosterman.

“We restructured an old system that hindered our core mission — corrections. This is a task uniquely suited for our MP professionals, and now they can perform it more efficiently, upholding the high standards of professionalism the Army, DoD, and our country expects,” Miller said, referencing the redesignation from the 40th Military Police Battalion (Detention) to the USDB Battalion (Corrections) in March 2023.

A tour of the Lewis and Clark Center was eye-opening for those who attended the Command and General Staff Officer Course in Bell Hall. The state-of-art classrooms and historical displays were reminders of the important of military education.

The final event was a reception hosted at the USDB commandant’s quarters, which has been the quarters for all 56 former commandants.

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