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FORT LIBERTY, N.C. – Soldiers and civilians from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command said farewell to Maj. Gen. Patrick B. Roberson, USASOC deputy commanding general, at his official retirement ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Auditorium, July 26, 2024.
Roberson served in the Army for 37 years with over 20 years in the special operations community. He has been the USASOC deputy commanding general since August 2022.
Retired Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo, USASOC’s 12th commanding general, officiated the retirement ceremony. Tovo and Roberson spent a significant amount of time serving in combat together throughout Roberson’s career and can date their relationship back to 1997. Tovo served as his company commander, battalion commander and group commander.
“I am personally grateful for the opportunity to participate in today’s ceremony,” began Tovo. “My relationship with Pat and Carolyn goes back nearly 30 years.”
Tovo went on to explain the purpose, importance and uniqueness of military retirement ceremonies. “No other profession asks as much sacrifice of its members and their families as the U.S. military,” explained Tovo. “Certainly, over the past three decades.”
He continued to reiterate Roberson’s qualities, including his abilities to lead upwards and build enduring relationships, which made him an exemplary Green Beret, warrior and esteemed commander.
As a true reflection of his career, Roberson’s retirement ceremony was filled with individuals with whom he has built close relationships and his family. And he, of course, began his remarks by thanking many of these individuals and expressing his luck at having and building these relationships throughout his career.
He continued to reflect on his career, how the Army has changed over the years, and the opportunities afforded to him in the special operations community. He reflected on traveling to 30 different countries, spending time away from his family, learning from those in other countries and gaining a more profound love and respect for his country.
“I loved being in Special Forces from the day I came in,” explained Roberson. “I’ve gotten to do things that nobody usually gets to do ever. And I’m very thankful for that.”
Throughout his career, Roberson had the opportunity to serve in multiple commands to include the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Special Forces Group, U.S. Northern Command, 3rd Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces Command, U.S. Army Reserve Command, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, and USASOC.
He commanded and participated in numerous combat and contingency operations including Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Throughout his career, he deployed 12 times.
Roberson is most proud of his time spent deployed working in the special operations community and helping to build partner special operations forces. During his over 30 years of service, Roberson commanded in combat at every level in special forces as a captain, a one-star general and as a two-star general.
“I’m not going to forget all of what happened to all of the folks we fought with out there, the people we lost,” reflected Roberson. “I’m going to dedicate a good portion of the rest of my life to remembering that.”
Roberson is married to his wife, Carolyn, and has three adult sons. After retirement he plans to move to Colorado, spend more time with his family and reinvest in the activities he really enjoys, such as skiing, hunting, shooting, and fishing. He eventually plans to return to the work force in a capacity where he can still make an impact on the forces.
“I’ve had a good run,” concluded Roberson. “I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly. Got a ton out of it. I’m nothing but appreciative.”
Roberson’s decorations and awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal for Combat Service, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit for Combat Service, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.
-SINE PARI-
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.14.2024 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 477663 |
| Location: | FORT LIBERTY, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson retires from USASOC following 37 years of dedicated service, by Jacqueline Hill, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
