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By Spc. Wesley Landrum
50th Public Affairs Detachment
KUWAIT - Maj. Gen. Dennis E. Hardy, U.S. Army Central deputy commanding general, retired from the Army during a retirement ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, April 8. Hardy, who served for 36 years, told the hundreds of service members, friends and associates in attendance that he was not retiring, but merely changing missions.
"If I've got 36 years behind me, I must have 36 years left ahead of me for outstanding service," he said. "It's been a wonderful journey here."
Hardy began his career in 1972 as a second lieutenant in the armor branch stationed in Germany. During his three-plus-decade career, he commanded at every level from a platoon leader through division commander. His commands include the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan., and commanding general of Task Force Falcon, Multi-National Brigade (East) in Kosovo during Operation Joint Guardian. Other commands have included the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, USARCENT commanding general, said Hhardy's story and career of has been a remarkable journey.
"His story is of exceptional service to our country, of distinguished performance of duty," Lovelace said. "His accomplishments tell the story of a leader, who in the total of his career, has touched millions of young men and women."
Lovelace said Hardy has touched hundreds of thousands of Soldiers' lives this year alone. He has done so by supporting the troops while they were in transit through USARCENT's area of operations.
Looking back on Hardy's career, Lovelace reflected on the times back in 1972. Richard Nixon had been re-elected as president, the Godfather won the Oscar for best picture and UCLA, led by future Hall of Famer Bill Walton, won the national championship in college basketball. Lovelace said while Walton was a hall of famer in the making back then, USARCENT was losing theirs today.
"We have our own Hall of Famer right here in Dennis Hardy," he said.
Hardy said this is not only his retirement, but also his family's retirement.
"If anybody kept me in uniform at a couple of times when there were forks in the road, it wasn't just the Soldiers and leaders I've rucked with, it's been my bride of 37 years, Diane," Hardy said.
Hardy said change is constant in the military and has affected him throughout his career. He told the audience the military has changed from World War II through the Cold War, then through the collapse of the Soviet Union and into the 21st century with the Global War on Terrorism.
"I leave the military in comfortable hands because I know you can deal with change," Hardy told the service members standing in formation.
As he closed his comments to the crowd, Hardy said he had no clue what the future holds for him and his family, however, he's ready to tackle what lies ahead.
"I'm certain there are great adventures out there," he said. "But I'm looking forward to the great adventures."
Hardy's retirement is effective June 1. He plans to return home to spend retirement with his wife Diane in Spokane, Wash.
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.09.2008 13:26 |
| Story ID: | 18224 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 315 |
| Downloads: | 266 |
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