Photo By Sgt. Brian Johnson | After over 20 years in the military, including time in the active duty Army and the...... read more read more
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - After over 20 years in the military, including time in the active duty Army and the Ohio National Guard, Randy McNeal, a staff sergeant with the Chillicothe based 1194th Engineer Company and local resident, retired.
McNeal was a member of the Ohio National Guard since 1999. Prior to that time, he had spent 11 years with the active duty army to include; two tours in Korea with the army’s Second Infantry Division as a Korean Linguist and time with military intelligence. In the National Guard, he was a senior signals operator with the army’s 1st Infantry Division.
McNeal was a member of the 1194th Engineer Company, formerly Company A, 216th Engineer Battalion, during the unit’s deployment to Iraq to support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the unit’s deployment in support of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, he was a senior signals operator. He remained in the 1194th until his retirement in November of this year.
McNeal has received many decorations and awards during his military service. Some of the many awards and decorations that he received include earning the Combat Action Badge while in Iraq, six Army Achievement Medals, two Army Commendation medals, an Army Service ribbon, as well as many other awards and ribbons.
“My most memorable experience in the military was being awarded the 1st Infantry Division’s [The Big Red One] Combat Patch.”
McNeal said he has been able to see a lot of the world with the military.
“I did two 1-year tours in Korea with the Army’s Second Infantry Division. I did one tour of duty in Iraq near Tikrit. I have also been to Kuwait, Qatar, Japan, as well as humanitarian missions in central America.”
“I enjoyed most about my career in the military all of the camaraderie and esprit de corps,” said McNeal. “I appreciate the fact that I was able to be a part of the greatest military in the history of the world and was able to defend both my family and country. I know that I was part of something much bigger than myself and I will always have an appreciation for everything that I have experienced both good and bad, knowing that I was helping to defend my family and country.”
The 1194th Engineer Company’s Readiness Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Wallace said of McNeal’s career and service, “Staff Sergeant McNeal was a great soldier. He was a good leader, motivator and friend. I wish him well in his retirement. He will be missed.”
McNeal said he plans to do many things during his retirement.
“I will continually to work professionally and for the Lord. I also plan to spend a lot more time with my family and help rear my children.”
McNeal said, “In my 26 years of marriage, my wife has shown great patience as we have spent 6 ½ years separated due to deployments, training exercises, schools and other trainings. I just want to say, Thank you Cathie! I love you!”
McNeal was a graduate of Chillicothe High School in 1980.
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2015 18:14 |
| Story ID: | 159356 |
| Location: | CHILLICOTHE, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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