Commanding General retires after more than 40 years of service

Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Amo | Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, former Commanding General, District of Columbia National Guard, renders a salute during the pass in review March 19, 2017, at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C. Schwartz retires from the U.S. Army after more than 41 years of service. He held the position of Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard from June 2008, to Jan. 20, 2017. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jennifer Amo /Released)  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

03.19.2017

Story by Sgt. Tyrone Williams 

715th Public Affairs Detachment

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 19, 2017) — District of Columbia National Guard service members, family members, and friends gathered for a retirement ceremony to honor Major General Errol R. Schwartz, former Commanding General, D.C. National Guard on March 19, 2017, atThe D.C. National Guard Armory.

Schwartz began his military career in 1976 when he enlisted as a private in the District of Columbia National Guard. In 1979, he commissioned as a second lieutenant through the D.C. Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School. As his career progressed, Schwartz held numerous positions, ranging from the 372nd Military Police Battalion commander, 74th Troop Command commander, to The Adjutant General of District of Columbia National Guard.

“Throughout his career, Schwartz transformed hundreds of lives,” said Gerald B. O’Keefe, Administrative Assistant, to the Secretary of the Army. “He leaves behind a tremendous legacy.”

In 2008, Schwartz was appointed to serve as the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard by President George W. Bush and reappointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. In the same year, he was promoted to the rank of major general.

During his time in command, more than 3,687 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of Global War on Terrorism missions both overseas and in the United States. He also oversaw numerous National Guard support of the District missions where Soldiers and Airmen responded to severe weather incidents and national special security events. As a D.C. Guardsman, Schwartz has participated in 10 Presidential Inaugurations; 3 as the Commanding General.

Schwartz also worked with the D.C. Government and National Guard Bureau to acquire facilities to establish the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy. The program gives at-risk D.C. youth, who are either truant or have dropped out of high school, an opportunity to obtain their GED. The 17-month program includes a 22-week, residential phase and 1-year, post-residential phase. Originally partnering with Maryland in 1993, the program has graduated more than 600 students. In 2013, under Schwartz’s leadership, the District of Columbia became 1 of the 39 autonomous National Guard Youth ChalleNGe programs in the country. He also worked with the University of the District of Columbia to establish a program that guarantees admission to CGYCA graduates.

“Being a commander is both incredibly challenging and rewarding,” O’Keefe said. “There is no greater honor than to be entrusted to lead, train and care for service members. The fact that General Schwartz was selected, took on this challenge, and continued to flawlessly command one of the highest, operational tempo units in the military, for more than eight years, is highly remarkable and speaks volumes about his dedication, professionalism, and skill.”

Schwartz received various awards during the ceremony including the Distinguished Service Medal that was awarded by O’Keefe, for exemplary service in the line of duty.

During the ceremony, Schwartz thanked the many military and civilian distinguished guests in attendance and spoke about his history in the National Guard and early civilian career.

“When I came to this country [from Georgetown, Guyana], I was about 4 or 5 years behind my peers,” Schwartz said, speaking about his early life. “I’m thankful for the people who saw enough in me to encourage and guide me.”

Schwartz thanked his wife, children, and previous coworkers before presenting them with gifts for their support throughout his over 40-year career.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Schwartz said regarding his family.

Many supporters and friends from his past positions to bid him farewell during his ceremony.

Schwartz spent a majority of his military career as a traditional guardsman. In 1981, he took a GS-7 position with National Security Agency. In 1999, he was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. He has held many positions in the intelligence community including the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive and Director of the National Security Incident Response Center at Fort George G. Meade.

During the “pass in review” portion of the ceremony, Soldiers and Airmen of the District of Columbia National Guard and Youth Challenge Cadets marched in formation and saluted Schwartz for the last time. This was a tradition the Schwartz brought back to the DCNG in 2014.

“It was never about me, but about you and the work you did,” Schwartz said to the Soldiers and Airmen in attendance. “I could not have represented you as well as I did if it had not been for the outstanding feats that you accomplished.”

• Date Taken: 03.19.2017
• Date Posted: 03.21.2017 15:55
• Story ID: 227583
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US
• Hometown: GEORGETOWN, GY