Photo By Ken Scar | The 208th Army Band plays during a retirement ceremony for five Soldiers who gave a...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Javier S. Amador
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Five Soldiers shared their fondest memories and said their final farewells to their fellow service members during an emotional retirement ceremony held late afternoon Sunday, Nov. 16 at the 108th Training Command (IET) Headquarters.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the official party followed by the posting of the Colors, the playing of the National Anthem and an invocation by the unit chaplain, Lt. Col. Kenneth L. Alford.
The unit’s deputy commanding general, Brig. Gen. A. Ray Royalty, presided over the ceremony during which awards were presented to the retiring Soldiers honoring them for their dedication and service throughout their careers.
Combined, the retiring Soldiers have contributed 140 years of service to their country. During their allotted time to speak, some of them, such as Master Sgt. Michael A. Roulhac, were unhappy early in their careers and were not sure if they would continue to serve, much to their surprise.
“Back in 1973 when I joined the Army, I had no intention of staying. In fact, during my four-year enlistment, I swore I would never shine another pair of black shoes or black boots. That’s truly how I felt,” said Roulac, “About a year later a good friend of mine asked me if I had ever considered joining the Army Reserve and I said no, I never considered the Army Reserve, so I enlisted in the Army Reserve and I’m still here.”
Col. Conrad A. Holbert Jr. acknowledged those who had come before him and contributed to his success as well as the Soldiers he had worked with and led during his career.
“For those who have passed this gate before me, I thank you for your service and your mentorship and leadership along the way,” said Holbert, “To the Soldiers, thank you for your professional support, your friendship and your continued service to this great nation.
Col. Michael C. Freeman thanked Family members for their support and the sacrifices they made in supporting their Soldiers as they served their country.
“Thirty years is a long time in the Army Reserve and there is no way I could have done the things that I have done without my wife,” said Freeman.
Royalty expressed his thanks as well as the gratitude of the unit and the Nation.
“This is a very significant day for those preparing to retire and their Families but it is also a significant day for those that you have impacted along the way, some directly and some indirectly, some which you may not have noticed and we are grateful for what you have done,” said Royalty.
The ceremony concluded with the retiring of the Colors and playing of the Army Song and Retirement Medley signaling an end to the military careers of the retirees:
• Col. Conrad A. Holbert Jr. - 30 years
• Col. Michael C. Freeman – 30 years
• Lt. Col. Christopher C. Black – 28 years
• Master Sgt. Michael A. Roulhac – 41 years
• Sgt. Jessica Rombach – 11 years
| Date Taken: | 11.16.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2014 08:17 |
| Story ID: | 149760 |
| Location: | CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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