U.S. Army Central bids farewell to senior enlisted advisor

Photo By Staff Sgt. Victor Everhart | SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – (L-R) Lt. Gen. Michael Garrett, the U.S. Army Central commanding general, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley, the outgoing U.S. Army Central senior enlisted advisor, Alice Kelley, 2015 USARCENT Volunteer of the year and spouse of the outgoing command sergeant major and Capt. Chase Kelley, son of the outgoing command sergeant major, pose for a photo after the change of responsibility and retirement ceremony held here at Patton Park, April 13. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Victor Everhart Jr.)  

SUMTER, SC, UNITED STATES

04.13.2016

Story by Sgt. Victor Everhart 

U.S. Army Central   

Before a crowd of senior leaders, soldiers, family and friends, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley relinquished responsibility of the units’ welfare and standards to the incoming senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Dostie.
Lt. Gen. Michael Garrett, commander of USARCENT, praised Kelley on his relentless work ethic, dedication to duty and pride in country, which led to multinational armies that have worked with Kelley and crave noncommissioned officers of his drive and character.
Though not in attendance, retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, former commanding general of USARCENT, wrote a note to be read at the ceremony thanking Kelley for his service and for his trustworthy advice that got him through some tough and challenging times.
“As the standard bearer of the Third Army colors, you set the example for all of our leaders to emulate. From theater security cooperation and exercises across the Central Command area of responsibility, to retrograde from Afghanistan and transition into Operation Resolute Support. [Throughout] the challenges of transitioning U.S. Army Central to the Coalition Forces Land Component Command [as well as establishing] the Combined Joint Taskforce, you were my right hand. Armed with intent and purpose, you ensured mission accomplishment. You were my confidential sounding board during some challenging and demanding times, and I am sure George Patton is in Fiddler’s Green today smiling on all that you have accomplished,” said Garrett as he read the quote sent by Terry.
Kelley enlisted in the Army July 16, 1985 as a 19E, armor crewman, and since then has served in every leadership position from M60A3 tank driver and gunner to first sergeant. Also, he has received numerous accolades such as the Order of Saint George, Order of Saint Maurice and Order of Saint Barbara. He is also a member of the Excellence in Armor Program.
Kelley has received various awards such as the Legion of Merit, his second award, the Bronze Star Medal, his fourth award, Meritorious Service Medal, his third award and many more for his hard work and dedication to his country.
Kelley, who arrived to USARCENT nearly three years ago from his previous assignment as the 1st Armored Division command sergeant major at Ft. Bliss, Texas, was retired shortly after the change of responsibility ceremony, in which he received the Distinguished Service Medal for his 30 plus years of service. His plans include moving to his hometown of Bryan, Texas relaxing and spending time with his wife Alice.
In his first statements as the senior enlisted advisor for USARCENT, Dostie thanked Garrett for the opportunity to lead and ensured the Soldiers that he would give his best effort every day.

• Date Taken: 04.13.2016
• Date Posted: 04.20.2016 17:27
• Story ID: 195966
• Location: SUMTER, SC, US
• Hometown: BONIFAY, FL, US
• Hometown: BRYAN, TX, US