8th Military Police Brigade Soldier Follows His Childhood Path to Military Service | Article

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Spc. Branden Eddy, a military police officer with the 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, knew early on that he wanted to serve and protect.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in law enforcement,” Eddy said. “When we were young, my siblings and I struggled with several issues, and as I grew up, I knew I wanted to be part of the change I wanted to see in the world.”

Eddy began his military life early, volunteering as a youth soccer referee at age 12, spending his summers as a lifeguard, and participating in the local fire department’s Explorer program in high school.

“His inner drive to help others, his genuine care and concern for others, and his honesty define Branden,” said Erin Eddy, Branden’s mother. “His grandfathers also served in the military during Vietnam, and he enjoyed learning about their experiences. Branden is very proud of her and is now helping herself.”

After graduating from high school, Eddy earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nevada, Reno.

“I was torn between a life of military service or a life of mechanical engineering,” Eddy said. “I love building things, but in college I realized that math wasn’t my thing, so I decided to focus on criminal justice. I loved seeing laws enacted and learning that the intent behind the laws was to preserve life, not destroy it.”

After graduating with a criminal justice degree and failing to secure a sponsorship position at a local police academy, Eddy began contacting military recruiters.

“My best friend joined the Air Force and I visited them, but they said I was too color blind,” Eddy said. “The Army recruiter told me there was an exemption for this, so I enlisted as 31B and began my law enforcement career.”

When he entered the army as a specialist based on his college degree, Eddy was immediately asked to perform above and beyond his rank, and he did so impeccably.

“I assumed he was coming from a previous tour of duty and had at least a few years of military experience under his belt,” said 2nd Lt. Julia Rodriguez, a platoon leader with the 58th Military Police Company. “He was assigned a class to teach and he said, ‘Yes ma’am, I will go through the class validation process and teach the class.“He ended up teaching the entire company, and it was amazing to see him get involved there and successfully lead a course that went well beyond his time teaching colleagues in the military.”

His pursuit of excellence comes not only from his inner desire to do his best, but also from his everyday interactions with the people around him.

“Helping people is the best part of my job,” Eddy said. “I love making people smile; You never know who is having a bad day. I understand the stigma surrounding law enforcement. I know a lot of people might not like us, but those interactions where I can make someone smile or laugh really make an impact on my day.”

Eddy’s current assignment gives him the opportunity to give many people their first smile before they enter military bases here in Hawaii.

“Working at the access control points is, for many people, their first interaction with a Soldier,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael D’Andrea, platoon leader, 58th Military Police Company. “It can be a thankless job. When you interact with the public, sometimes you see people on their worst days and we try to enforce rules, regulations and laws at that moment. Therefore, his willingness to become an MP, serve and do everything with a positive attitude is of utmost importance.”

Eddy’s attitude towards people and his willingness to take on challenging tasks were noticed by everyone in his unit.

“Spc. Eddy has developed into an outstanding military police officer,” said Spc. Nathaniel Taylor, front row supervisor, military police officer. “When in doubt, he always looks for the right answer and continues to make disciplined decisions along the way.”

Although Eddy is excited to complete his first enlistment and return to Colorado to pursue a law enforcement career, his family isn’t surprised he took the detour to join the Army.

“We weren’t surprised by Branden’s decision to join the military,” Erin said. “As a young boy he wore camouflage, belts, etc. and played army. For gifts, he wanted documentaries and books about different wars and was inspired by the veterans around him growing up.”

Eddy’s time in the army was short, but his growth is evident in his family, friends and fellow soldiers.

“Branden has become more independent, responsible and confident,” added Erin, who ended our interview with a message to her son. “Your family is proud of you and so is your country.”