Four U.S. Soldiers in Japan retire after serving 86 years

Photo By Lt. Col. Sonie Munson | Retiring Soldiers each received a flag of the U.S. during a ceremony Feb. 28 at Kadean Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. The flag is presented by seven enlisted Soldiers and four officers in the ranks of private, private first class, specialist, sergeant, staff sergeant, sergeant first class, master sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain and major. These ranks represent each of the ranks the retirees Maj. Michael Streeter, Master Sgt. Bradford Wilson, Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Tucker and Staff Sgt. Tony Williams.  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.28.2014

Story by Charles Steitz 

10th Regional Support Group

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Twenty six years ago, a Pan-Am 747 explodes from a terrorist bomb and crashes in Lockerbie Scotland killing all 259 aboard and 11 on the ground. News stories filled the air waves and nightly broadcasts. Over the next two decades, significant world events placed our service members in harm’s way with thousands making the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, during these turbulent times in world history individuals came forward and volunteered to become U.S. Soldiers defending the freedoms and liberties we cherish as a great nation.

On Feb. 28, four U.S. Soldiers who dedicated over 86 years of service retired from the U.S. Army.

The common thread woven into the experiences by each of the retirees was the importance of family and Soldiers.

“I wish to thank the love of my life, Julie Streeter who has been there through numerous deployments, field problems, military schools, and various other assignments. A woman who single handedly raised our two daughters Ashlynn, now 23, and Katelynn, 21, to be the great young ladies they have become. Honey, you are the best friend and partner anyone could ever have, I am truly blessed and without a doubt one of the luckiest men in the world,” said Maj. Michael Streeter, 10th Regional Support Group.

“I call this part of my speech the 'shout out.' I would like to recognize my wife, Candace. Baby, we did it. Thank you for being my rock, my friend and my lifetime battle buddy, Douglas, my little brother, Sgt. 1st Class Wilson. I can’t tell you how much it means to me for you to represent my extended family today. I am sure mom, former Sgt. Daniels is proud of what we have accomplished over the years,” explained Master Sgt. Bradford Wilson, Jr. 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery (Regiment).

“Today is supposed to be about the retiree, but I think it is really about what got me to this milestone in my life. First and foremost, I thank God, for without his guidance I would not be here. I give a big thanks to my wife, Whitney as she has endured the rigors of military life. She took a $20,000 a year pay cut to follow me to Virginia and again to Korea. She is a dedicated wife and mother and I honesty couldn’t even ask for a better partner and best friend. Finally and most importantly I have to thank every Soldier I have had the privilege of leading. Because without them and their hard work, dedication and motivation, I definitely would not be standing here,” stated Sgt. 1st Class, Benjamin Tucker III, 78th Signal Battalion.

“I would definitely like to thank my lovely wife, Jacqueline, who served 18 years with me through moral support, numerous duty stations, deployments and sacrifices along with my two sons, Terrell and Jermaine who are in school. My experience in the Army has taught me how to wear many hats, but still to act as one, a professional Soldier. From laundry shower specialist, to unit prevention leader, from retention non-commissioned officer to a recruiter. I would like to say that I am the only person in my family who not only is able to retire, but to retire from one of the world’s greatest institutions,” said, Staff Sgt. Tony Williams, 10th RSG.

Hosted by Col. Sheila Bryant, commander 10th RSG and Command Sgt. Maj. Shelton Williamson, Command Sgt. Maj. 10th RSG, approximately 100 Soldiers and family members attended the ceremony.

Bryant summarized this significant occasion by stating, “I’d like to close by acknowledging the strength and character of our men and women that are on display every day and their belief in the institution that we serve. It is the examples of service of these Soldiers that inspire us to continue to lead and develop others. Your brothers in arms look upon you all today with great admiration and pride and give a heartfelt, 'thank you' to Maj. Michael Streeter, Master Sgt. Bradford Wilson, Sgt. 1st Class, Benjamin Tucker III and Staff Sgt. Tony Williams upon retirement from the ranks of our fine Army. I can’t imagine a more noble and rewarding profession than the profession of arms.”

• Date Taken: 02.28.2014
• Date Posted: 05.12.2014 02:42
• Story ID: 129502
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP