Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Monette Wike | Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Powers, Arizona Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj....... read more read more
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PHOENIX – After 39 years of service in the Arizona National Guard, Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Almendarez was honored during a retirement ceremony at Russell Auditorium here, Nov 7.
Army Land Component Commander Brig. Gen. John Hoefert recognized Almendarez with the Legion of Merit Medal, given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements, in a room filled with Almendarez’s peers, family and friends. It is one of only two medals issued as a neck order, the other being the Medal of Honor.
At the ceremony he was also presented with a Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, a certificate of appreciation from Arizona Governor Douglas A. Ducey and a certificate of appreciation for his wife Susie Almendarez.
Hoefert expressed appreciation for Armendarez’ exceptional leadership, dedication to duty and outstanding technical and tactical expertise during the ceremony.
“When I think of the definition of Command Sergeant Major, I think of my friend CSM Almendarez,” Hoefert said.
Since 1984, Almendarez has worked full time for the Arizona Army National Guard in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as the senior personnel operations sergeant major.
“This uniform has given me mentorship, friendship and teamwork I could not have gotten anywhere else,” Almendarez said.
Almendarez has held duty assignments at various organizations throughout the state. He has served as military police, squad leader, unit clerk, operations platoon sergeant, first sergeant and senior personnel sergeant major. He also served as the command sergeant major for the 198th Regional Support Group and 158th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion who he mobilized with to Kuwait.
“It has been a great honor to serve with National Guard Soldiers and Airmen because as my favorite saying goes, they are ‘Always Ready, Always There,’” Almendarez said.
Throughout his military career, Almendarez has attended many military education schools, including the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Department of Defense Support of Civil Authorities Course, Casualty Notification/Assistance T3 Course and Military Personnel Officer Orientation Course
His wife said the retirement is bittersweet because they have always had the guard in their life and she is proud of his accomplishments but is looking forward to their next phase of life.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2015 16:15 |
| Story ID: | 181620 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 845 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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