3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Story by Spc. Michael Behlin

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Master Sgt. Gerardo Flores and Sergeant 1st Class Daniel R. Wright of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were two of eight Soldiers to officially hang up their boots during the United States Army Armor Center and Fort Knox Retirement Ceremony here Thursday at the Fort Knox Leaders Club.

The ceremony marked the end of successful careers for both Flores and Wright, who served 26 and 22 years respectively.

Hosted by Col. David E. Thompson, commander of Fort Knox's 194th Armored Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. William B. Beever, 194th Armor Brigade senior enlisted leader, the ceremony took the time to thank the retirees and Families for their many sacrifices throughout the years.

"Our retirees here today served between 20-28 years in service, which was a pivotal time in our history," said Thompson. "You are now stepping out into a new dimension, that of the military retiree. You are honored members, who we will always recognize."

"Take time to reflect on a job well done."

Flores, a Ponce, Puerto Rico native who served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of logistics for the 3d ESC, credits the Army for everything he has accomplished during his career.

"Everything that I am today I owe to the U.S. Army," said Flores, who will make San Antonio, Texas, his home after retiring. "The Army took me out of the streets and showed me a new life."

Flores joked that the civilian life that awaits him will be a big change, being that he has never held a job other than that of a Soldier. He mentioned that leading Soldiers in combat during his time as a first sergeant, as a highlight of his career.

Wright, a Hutchinson, Kansas, native who served as the senior mortuary affairs advisor for the 3d ESC, felt good about all he has accomplished over the past 22 years.

"I feel good about my times being a mortuary affairs NCO, working with Soldiers and family members to make their most difficult time easier," said Wright. "I am now looking forward to spending time with my kids. Now, it's time for me to go home and enjoy my time with them."

Truly dedicated to his job of helping Soldiers and Family members during their times of losing a loved one, Wright plans to continue working in his career field after retiring.

"Now that I'm retired, I'd like to move to the Fort Lee, Va., area and continue working in the casualty area to continue serving Soldiers and assist them with any needs they may have."

Like Flores, Wright thinks highly of the Army and appreciates all that it provided him and his family over the years.

"There were difficult times over the years, but it was well worth it," said Wright. "The sacrifices that I made by being away from my family assisted others in overcoming their difficult times."

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