Army Colonel retires in combat zone after 30 years of service

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Cobbeldick | Maj. Gen. Greg Potter presided over the ceremony, honoring Col. Larry Marek’s 30 years of service, conducted in a combat zone, located at the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Bruce Cobbeldick, ISAF HQ Public Affairs)  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.10.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Bruce Cobbeldick 

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan - At the end a successful career, soldiers typically retire from a conventional location – maybe Fort Hood or Fort Bragg.

Army Col. Larry T. Marek is not your conventional officer. Marek is retiring from a combat zone after completing a tour supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from Afghan's capital, Kabul.

What made the indoor retirement ceremony May 5, special was the fact that his wife, Mary, was able to be present for the event – even if it was a virtual presence.

Scores of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen and, as well as civilians and contractors were on hand to wish Marek well on the occasion of his retirement, and his completion of 30 years of service.

Marek thanked Maj. Gen. Greg Potter for his support and willingness to preside over the ceremony and offered a sincere, emotional thank you to the senior noncommissioned officers throughout his career who gave good advice and counsel to him.

During his 30 years of service, Marek performed in a host of different capacities, ranging from an Opposition Forces officer and NBC Officer to Assistant Chief of Staff for the Intelligence Directorate, here. Marek also thanked the senior noncommissioned officers present, Chief Master Sgt. Danny Morris and Sergeant Maj. Scott Marshall for their fidelity in helping to plan and oversee the event.

The retirement ceremony ended with the playing of the Army Song. Maj. Gen. Potter said that Reserve Officers like Marek amaze him, because they juggle their civilian and military careers. ”To do the kinds of things that a colonel has to do in the Reserves and National Guard, that takes an awful lot of time and commitment.

Emotions ran high when Marek thanked his wife and family for their selfless support and willingness to let him have the adventure of a lifetime.

His wife, watched the ceremony with great interest and the attendees could tell that she was delighted to participate and share in the event. Mary looked on from her monitor in College Station, Texas and was able to see coworkers in the directorate line up and shake her husband’s hand, while he said his farewells.

Noticeably touched by the outpouring of support, Marek said he thought the ceremony was going to be a lot easier on his emotions than what it was. “I realize that I am where I am and I got this far because of all my peers, juniors and superiors who helped me and taught me valuable lessons along the way.

Marek will retire to College Station, Texas, where he will work at the local college. According to Maj. Gen. Potter, Marek most likely has a few tasks for his wife and daughters to delegate to Marek when he gets home, ranging from hard work in the garden to making up for lost Girl Scout moments. Marek relayed that he is just fine with all that, as he looks forward to being with his wife and daughters and making up for lost time.

“It’s been an adventure. That’s for sure,” said Marek.

“Maybe as a civilian the uniform will come off, said Maj. Gen. Potter, “but the soldier under the civilian clothes tends to always remain.”

• Date Taken: 05.10.2013
• Date Posted: 05.10.2013 03:05
• Story ID: 106703
• Location: KABUL, AF