Photo By Jose Rodriguez | CSM Napoleon Noguerapayan and Ryan Shipkey placing a wreath on the grave of SMA Leon...... read more read more
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In a touching ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School Noncommissioned Officer Academy honored the widow and family of the late Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Leon L. Van Autreve during a Flag Day retreat ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
SMA Van Autreve’s grandson Ryan Shipkey gave a moving speech on behalf of his family, and in a surprise, played an audio recording of a speech given by his grandfather. “Many of you today had the opportunity to know my grandfather, but for those of you who have never heard his voice, here is SMA Leon Van Autreve,” said Shipkey. The gathered audience was visibly moved hearing the late SMA Van Autreve deliver an impassioned speech about duty and honor, a speech that still connects with Army values today.
Afterwards Command Sergeant Major Napoleon Noguerapayan, Commandant AMEDD NCO Academy, joined Ryan Shipkey in laying a wreath on the grave of SMA Van Autreve. Following the wreath the 323rd Army Band rendered honors by playing Taps.
SMA Van Autreve was the fourth sergeant major of the Army and a highly decorated Soldier who participated in the invasion of Port Lyautey, Africa, and served in Vietnam. He joined the Army in 1941 from Delphos, Ohio, and retired in 1975 with 31 years of service. He passed away in March 2002. The NCO Academy was renamed the Van Autreve Hall in September 2002, six months after Van Autreve's death, in honor of his contributions to the AMEDDC&S and support to the academy's mission. Mrs. Van Autreve was actively engaged during her husband's career supporting Soldiers and their families, and has continued her devotion to the Army, Fort Sam Houston, and the San Antonio military community.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2018 15:58 |
| Story ID: | 281154 |
| Location: | FORT SAM HOUSTON SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 487 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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