Over three centuries of military service honored at Celebration of Service

Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher McCullough | On May 17, family, friends, and colleagues of thirteen U.S. Army Soldiers came together at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, for a ceremonial expression of appreciation and gratitude for their combined 357 years of federal service to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Pacific, and the nation. The retirees and their family members gathered together after the U.S. Army Pacific’s quarterly Celebration of Service retirement ceremony for a group picture. The thirteen retirees accumulated more than three centuries of total service among themselves. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Chris McCullough, U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs)  

FORT SHAFTER, HI, UNITED STATES

05.17.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher McCullough 

U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs Office

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - On May 17, family, friends, and colleagues of thirteen U.S. Army Soldiers came together at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, for a ceremonial expression of appreciation and gratitude for their combined 357 years of federal service to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Pacific, and the nation.

"At U.S. Army Pacific, we refer to it as a celebration of service, because celebrate is what we are here to do today," said USARPAC's Deputy Commanding General – Army National Guard, Brig. Gen. Bryan Suntheimer," who officiated the ceremony, "Celebrate the service of thirteen experienced and dedicated leaders, 'One Teammates,' who will transition from active service onto the Army’s retired roster."

The thirteen retirees honored were Col. Skip Adams, Nokesville, Virginia; Col. Manuel C. Meno Jr., Guam; Col. Michael W. Snow, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Lt. Col. Brenden D. Burke, Calhoun, Georgia; Mr. Norman T. Kobayashi, Honolulu, Hawaii; Maj. Kelvin R. Pennill, Houston, Texas; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Timothy D. Keith, Sumter, South Carolina; Sgt. Maj. Tiffany C. Basley, Harrisburg, North Carolina; Sgt. Maj. Brian F. Harrington, Florida; First Sgt. Walter J. Northam Jr., Killeen, Texas; Master Sgt. Shannon M. Swords, York, Pennsylvania; First Sgt. James R. Wilkins, Schertz, Texas; and Sgt. 1st Class Bradley C. Wyatt, Saint Louis, Missouri.

USARPAC's Celebration of Service ceremony recognizes Soldiers for their distinguished service to U.S. Army Pacific and the U.S. as they prepare to transition into new careers. This was the eighth such celebration held with the intent of honoring retiring service members quarterly.

Over the course of the celebration, Suntheimer spoke to the audience about how these noteworthy Soldier's careers have impacted USARPAC. He also addressed how their devotion made the Army better, and personally thanked each of the honorees for the sacrifices they and their families have made.

"Congratulations, again, to all of the honorees on achieving this milestone," Suntheimer said in closing. "And a very special thanks to the families and supporting casts of these stars for sharing them with us for these many decades and for being their strength and support."

• Date Taken: 05.17.2016
• Date Posted: 05.23.2016 20:42
• Story ID: 198834
• Location: FORT SHAFTER, HI, US
• Hometown: GUAM, GU
• Hometown: CALHOUN, GA, US
• Hometown: FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS, US
• Hometown: HARRISBURG, NC, US
• Hometown: HONOLULU, HI, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TX, US
• Hometown: KILLEEN, TX, US
• Hometown: NOKESVILLE, VA, US
• Hometown: SCHERTZ, TX, US
• Hometown: ST. LOUIS, MO, US
• Hometown: SUMTER, SC, US
• Hometown: YORK, PA, US