Photo M00023:  Captain Donald R. Meeks, Jr. was born and raised in Hammonton, New Jersey. He joined the Army on 19 July 1989 after graduating high school in Iron River, Michigan. His enlisted service lasted approximately 3 years as a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. After attending the University of Maryland, Augsburg Campus for two years, he transferred to and graduated from Oregon State University.

He was commissioned on 13 June 1997, as a Distinguished Military Graduate, with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education. In addition, he holds a Masters Degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. He is married to the former Ms. B. Susanna Frandsen of Sutherlin, Oregon. His previous assignments include Mechanic and Driver, B Co. 3rd Combat Support Battalion 3rd Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany and Platoon Leader (Simultaneous Membership Program), F Troop 82nd Cavalry, Lebanon, Oregon. CPT Meeks’ commissioned service includes Platoon Leader, 230th Military Police Company (Combat Support) and 560th Military Police Company (Customs) both in Kaiserslautern, Germany. During his last year in Europe, he worked as the Tactical Operations Officer, Provost Marshal Office, 21st Theater Support Command.

After arriving at Fort Hood, he worked as the Tactical Operations and Plans Officer for the Provost Marshal Office, 1st Cavalry Division. CPT Meeks joined the 720th Military Police Battalion S3 Operations Section as a Battle Captain for Operation Iraqi Freedom I before taking command of the Guardians in April 2004 and commanding them in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

CPT Meeks is a Distinguished Graduate of the Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic School, a graduate of the Military Police Officer Basic and Advance Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and the Army's Airborne School. Awards and decorations Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd AWD), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Service Medal (2nd AWD), Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd AWD), Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, Parachutist Badge, Driver's Badge, U.S. Air Force Security Forces Badge, and German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge (Bronze). Photograph courtesy of Official 720th MP Battalion Website, Fort Hood Texas.